CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

Children are always learning, absorbing, and sorting what they've taken in. Our Christian education programs are designed to offer them foundations of faith in ways that invite questions and make connections as they create and build their relationships with God and one another. To help bring their faith beyond the walls of the church, we offer a variety of ways for families to incorporate discussions on faith into their daily lives.

2024-25 PROGRAMS
2024-25 CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 16 NEWSLETTER

Wiggly Worship Space

Wiggly Worship Tables

 

We are happy to announce some exciting changes that reflect our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive worship environment for families! With the permission of the Session, we've moved the chapel "Wiggly Worship" table to the front, ensuring our kids can engage more fully with the worship experience while giving families the opportunity to sit closer together.

 

The "Wiggly Worship" tables in the sanctuary have also been nestled within the front pews, allowing families to be near their little ones and bringing those energetic kiddos right into the heart of the action!

 

We're also excited to recruit enthusiastic students in 8th-12th grade to serve as shepherds at the Wiggly Worship tables, guiding our children through the worship bulletin and helping them navigate the rhythms of worship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR GRADES PRE K - 5TH

PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

Register your kids for First Pres programs by filling out this form:  2024-2025 Child Information Form

 

Download a form, complete all fields, save a copy to your computer, and then attach the form here.

Questions? Contact Rev. Nicole Chapman-Farley

SUNDAY SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER-MAY

Our Sunday School classes for children PreK-8th grade are built around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s curriculum called Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living. “This curriculum is based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.”

 

Each week, all grades will be learning about the same biblical principles and stories in age-appropriate ways, allowing us to be in conversation about what we are learning together.

 

We’ll all begin in worship together and then, after the Word for the Children which follows the second scripture reading, all children who wish to participate in Sunday School may head to their classrooms on the second floor of the Christian Education wing (the northeast corner of the building) with their classroom shepherd.

 

Classes end when worship ends and we ask that students through 4th grade are picked up by an authorized person once worship has ended so our teachers might also enjoy fellowship time during Social Hour.

FIRST THROUGH THIRD FRIENDS

About once a quarter, first through third graders are invited to build friendships, playing and eating together from 11:15 AM-12:45 PM. September 22, February 16, April 13

 

FOURTH & FIFTH FELLOWSHIP

 About once a quarter, fourth through fifth graders are invited to deepen their friendships, with a meal and activities from 11:15 AM-12:45 PM. October 20, January 26, May 18

 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT REV. NICOLE CHAPMAN-FARLEY

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Children of all ages are an important part of the body of Christ, and we celebrate the joy, curiosity, energy, and imagination that they bring. Children participate as active members of our congregation and our worship as they sit among us, read Scripture and prayers, sing, play an array of instruments, and lead our services. Keep reading for some of the specific ways we welcome children in worship at First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville. We are so very glad you have joined us!

For more information, read about our policies and guidelines for our infant and toddler rooms. 

WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON DURING WORSHIP?

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WORSHIP IN THE CHAPEL

WORSHIP KITS

For children joining us in worship, we offer worship activity kits to help kids engage with the content of the service that day. Pick them up near the entrances to the Sanctuary or Chapel as you walk in! These are especially helpful during the summer months when Sunday School takes a hiatus, or on other Sundays when kids opt to stay in worship.

 

CHILDCARE

NURSERY (birth-2) & PRE-K (3-4)

We love your little ones joining us in worship! It’s beautiful to witness their joy in seeing friends and hearing voices lifted in song. We understand, however, sometimes they would rather be in a space dedicated to them, a space to relax and play so you can focus on your experience of worship. We offer free childcare services in our Nursery and Pre-K room and ushers are ready to help you find them.

 

HOW DO WE WELCOME CHILDREN AT FIRST PRES?

Children are our fellow congregants. As a faith community, we make a commitment at baptism to help nurture and guide one another, and encourage one another to know and follow Christ and be faithful members of Christ’s church. Here are a few ways we encourage people to welcome children into worship and support them in their faith journey:
 

  • Take a moment during the Passing of the Peace, Social Hour, service or Christian Education events to greet families and get to know the names of the family members.
  • Sign up to help with Sunday School.
  • Help preschoolers and elementary-aged kids learn to navigate the worship service—they’re newer to this than you are! Help them read the bulletin, locate hymns, and read along with prayers and liturgy.
  • It’s not always easy to recognize some needs. Some people, children and adults alike, may hum, make unfamiliar vocalizations or noises, or demonstrate other behaviors that allow them to express themselves during the service. Everyone belongs in worship. Please welcome questions children have about differences of all kinds so they might learn how to delight in the diversity of God’s beautiful creation along with God.
  • Remember how it was when you were a child, and remember the adults who helped you grow your faith. Help create an environment in which our kids can learn, feel, and share Christ’s love as we all do!

MUSIC

COME AND MAKE MUSIC WITH US

Cherub Choir   Pre-K - 1st Grade

Directors: LeAnn Malecha & Isabelle Esquivel Thursdays 4:30-5:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

The choir sings for worship every six weeks or so from September through April, plus special services including the annual Christmas Pageant.

 

Faith Choir   2nd - 6th Grade

Director: Gloria Song

Thursdays 4:20-5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

The choir sings for worship every six weeks or so from September through April, plus special services such as the Christmas Pageant.

 

Alpha Omega Chimers   2nd - 6th Grade

Director: Gloria Song

Sundays 11:00-12:00 p.m. in the Bell Room.

This beginning training group for handbells is open to anyone in 3rd through 5th grade. It provides a chance to start learning the fun of handbell ringing.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE

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