EMBRACING OUR YOUNGEST MEMBERS
At FCC, we believe children and youth are the present, not just the future. Each month and every Sunday, we offer engaging programming for all children and youth. We also create intergenerational worship, fellowship and faith formation opportunities for all ages, so we can all grow together.
If you plan to join us on Sunday mornings, please complete our FCC Kidz registration form for 2022-2023. Questions? For additional information regarding our programming for children and youth of all ages, contact Rev. Lily Tinker Fortel or Marina Baker.
FCC Kidz Zone: FCC Kidz Zone is located on the lower level of the building. If you are new to the building, please ask anyone for directions.
**Please note that FCC – and especially Kidz Zone – is a nut-free zone due to nut allergies.**
Each Sunday, FCC’s children and youth are invited to begin 10am Worship in the Sanctuary with their adults. Toward the beginning of the service, they are invited to come forward for a Children’s Circle with one of our ministers. Then, they leave for FCC Kidz, our Sunday school program. We offer opportunities for children and students of all ages to worship, play, create, sing, and study as we learn about God and our faith. Children can be picked up downstairs in the FCC Kidz Zone following worship.
Sometimes on Sunday mornings, our students attend “Kidz Chapel” This is a worship service for children and youth that takes place in our chapel during the 10am worship service.
We draw our lessons and activities from a variety of sources. We often use a curriculum called Shine as our starting place. We like to customize lessons, stories, and activities to best fit our students. Sometimes events and service opportunities in the life of the broader congregation shape our curriculum.
See below for the details of our programs for each age group.
Infant and toddler care is available during our 9am Change of Pace services in Pilgrim Hall and the 10am Sanctuary worship services. Childcare begins at 8:30am on Sundays when FCC’s Chancel Choir rehearses.
Nursery childcare is provided throughout the entirety of both services, beginning 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Paid childcare is offered for many other FCC events and meetings.
Each Sunday our youngest students are invited to join us for FCC Kidz Sunday school.
We start by playing, building, exploring, and creating in the playroom. Then, we have a brief lesson that imparts shared values of our faith, like sharing, kindness, and joy.
Our staff work with a team of FCC’s retired preschool and lower elementary educators to shape lessons that are engaging and fun for this age group.
Adult volunteers and FCC staff love engaging students in this age group as we learn about faith together. We continue to embrace creative and engaging activities and lesson plans.
At this age, we dive deeper into Bible stories, learn about God and Jesus, continue teaching shared values of faith, and explore ways we can put our faith into practice during the week.
Students in 6th-8th grades are invited to join us for FCC Kidz each Sunday morning. They begin 10AM worship in the sanctuary with their adults and are invited to the Children’s Circle. Then they go downstairs to meet with our youth leaders.
Through scripture & stories, discussion & questions, and games & activities, we encourage welcoming community and deepening of faith. Here, our junior high students come into their own understanding of faith and build relationships with one another.
Most first Sundays, Middle and High School Youth gather for Brunch Bunch following 10am worship. This is an opportunity for discussion and community building with one another, our youth volunteers, and our staff. While youth are meeting with volunteer leaders and Lily Tinker Fortel, parents are invited for brunch and conversation with Darcy Crain.
Additional information on our youth ministry is available here. LINK