Children’s Ministry

Here at First Christian Church, we care about children. Our number one goal is to teach God’s love through education, worship, and mission. Children are loved and valued here. We are blessed with an amazing Children’s Ministry area located in the bottom level of the church. First Christian is a great place for children.

Acolytes

For worship, we have children who “lead and light up our services.” These children are acolytes. The main acolyte duties are to lead the processional and light the candles to commence the beginning of the worship. It is a joy to watch these little children “bring in the light” every Sunday.

Children’s Moments

During every service there is a time where the children are invited to come up and learn a lesson for that day, it is called “Children’s Moment.” Typically that lesson is directly related to the scripture or the holiday.

Children Moments are opportunities to:

  • To bring children “close to the action”
  • For children to lead in worship
  • To affirm that children are valued participants in the church family
  • To help children participate in worship
  • To proclaim the Word of God
  • For children to hear other members of the church family witness to their faith
  • For children to offer their unique gifts in the context of congregational worship

Children’s Moments are a great way for the children to have a “take away” lesson from Sunday morning worship.

Extended Session

After the Children’s Moment the children (ages 3-10 years old) leave the sanctuary and join together downstairs in the Children’s Ministry Area for Extended Service. In Extended Session, the children participate in activities pertain to the morning’s scripture and worship theme. Younger children are invited to the Nursery (also known as the Teeny Disciples Classroom). Older children are encouraged to remain with the congregation for worship.

Extended Session is an opportunity to share in a lesson, have a snack, and mainly have fun together. God’s love shines through brightly during those time of play and imagination.

Grandfriends

In addition to teachers for Extended Session and Sunday School, we have volunteers who act as Grandfriends. Grandfriends are people of variety of ages who make a difference in a child’s life and help out a teacher in the process.

Grandfriend Duties Include:

  • Passing out snacks
  • Pouring juice
  • Assisting in various arts and craft projects
  • Accompany occasional potty trips

Grandfriends are an important part of the Sunday morning experience for children (and for the teachers).

Sunday School

Traditional Sunday School Classes happen from September-June. This is when the children are separated into their own individual classes.

    Teeny Disciples (children birth through 3 years old)

    Tiny Disciples (children from 3 years old-Pre-Kindergarten)

    Little Disciples (children in Kindergarten-2nd grade)

    Young Disciples (children in 3rd-5th grade)

In the summer, the children are combined for one Sunday school class. Summer Sunday school typically has a theme that is carried over the entire duration.

Sunday school is one of the ways the children can explore the Bible, their faith, and their understanding of God. In addition, they get to know other children in their age group.

Nursery

The Nursery is open all Sunday morning until 12:15 pm for children under the age of 3 years old. The Nursery is also known as the Teeny Disciples classroom. We have two Nursery Staff: Elsabeth Petersen and Aimee Villanueva. They are experience with working with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who are in transition.

Children’s Ministry Volunteer Opportunities

As ministers, paid staff, and volunteers, we have the tremendous privilege of working with the children of First Christian Church. It is a great responsibility that we do not take lightly. We are honored by this opportunity. We would like to extend this opportunity to other volunteers. If you are in getting involved, contact the church office at 503-228-9211 or email Johanna Kennelly Ullman, Assistant Minister and Children’s Ministry Supervisor. Please note that all Children’s Ministry volunteers must undergo a criminal background check. .