The Christian Education Ministry’s goal is to provide a thorough program of biblical education so that each student grows in his understanding of Scripture’s content and implication; to lead people to a commitment to God and a personal relationship with Him through saving faith in Jesus Christ; to encourage a biblical relationship with other Christians through vital participation with them in the local church; and to develop in people a biblical commitment to personal growth and ministry.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:40 a.m.
Teaching the Word of God in such a way that lives are changed for the glory of God is the most important work of the Sunday School. To do this effectively our Sunday School is divided into various departments from Nursery to Adults. A large number of adult classes give members a wide selection from which to choose.   For a current list of classes, visit the 2013 Adult Classes.

Communicants' Class Audio

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Children are introduced to Sunday School classes when they reach about 18 months of age. This hour includes a Gather Together Time of structured worship, a lesson, an activity period, and a time for Scripture recitation. Catechism study begins in the 3-year-old department. At the end of the Sunday School year, those children who have completed assigned memory work receive special recognition.

CHURCHTIME PROGRAM
The Churchtime Program immediately follows Sunday School and extends through the 11:00 a.m. worship service. This program is for children three and four years of age.  The program is designed to prepare children to attend regular worship services with their parents in the sanctuary when they are five years of age.  The children enjoy a brief Bible story, crafts, and a short period of play.  A ruling elder attends and leads the children in prayer.  Crackers and juice are served.  Churchtime for the four-year-old children is not held during the summer months prior to their enrollment in five-year-old kindergarten.  This program is staffed by the parents of our three and four-year-old covenant children.  It is held in the Kindergarten Suite (4's) and in M135 (3's).

SUNDAY EVENING CHILDREN'S CLASSES
A Children's Devotional based on the Children's Catechism  is part of the evening worship service at FPC.  The children are dismissed from the service following this devotional to attend their classes which run until the end of worship service.

The four and five-year-old children attend a Scripture Memory Class held in room M135.  They learn a Bible verse and have a lesson and story based on this verse.  The Scripture verses correspond with the letters of the alphabet.  They go through the alphabet twice during a calendar year.  The children work on coloring sheets that correspond with each lesson.  This curriculum was written by Susan Hunt.  The class is staffed by parents of our four and five-year-old covenant children.

The first through third grade children attend a Catechism Class which is taught by a member of the Children's Ministry staff in room M133.  The lesson is based on the same question that is presented in the Children's Devotional during the worship service.  It takes three years to work through the 145 questions in the Children's Catechism.  A child is able to attend this class for three years and can complete the entire catechism.

A Special Education class meets regularly for Sunday School.  These programs help the children to grow in their faith and allow them to participate in worship.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
The Wednesday Night Children's Program runs throughout the calendar year.  When the FPC Children's Choirs meet (form mid-August through the month of April), we offer a time of play after the Family Night Supper.  The children are supervised in the gym or on the playground from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m.  Choirs practice from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

When the Children's Choirs do not meet (May through mid-August), the Children's Ministry offers classes during the normal choir hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  The four Wednesday nights in May we have a series of lessons that change from year to year.  During the summer months we have an on-going program entitled "Heroes of the Faith."  These classes are divided by age groups (4-5 year olds, first through second grade, and third through fifth grade).  The classes meet on the first floor of the Study Center in rooms M120, M122, and M123.  These classes include a lesson, question and answer period, crafts, and treats.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is held in June for children age five through sixth grade. This week-long event features study of Scripture, music, puppet shows, crafts, and directed play. Children are encouraged to bring a Bible and a friend.

Communicant Class is held for children ages 12 and up who are preparing for church membership. The plan of salvation is presented and the responsibilities of membership are stressed.

The Nursery is a vital part of our church family.  We are most interested in the church being a safe and happy experience for parents and their children.  Nursery rooms are grouped by ages and skilled workers watch over the children during all Sunday services, midweek services and for most group meetings held throughout each week.

Women In the Church

Every woman at First Presbyterian Church is a member of the Women In the (WIC), and is invited to participate in activities, services, studies, and ministries provided especially for women. Yearly the WIC sponsors five programs with outstanding inspirational speakers challenging women in their spiritual growth.  There are also monthly meetings for fellowship and Bible study. The WIC offers many specific opportunities for women to use their gifts to serve, support, and care for the body of Christ.