Christian Education for Children & Youth

At First Pres, we believe children are not just the future of the church—they are part of the church right now. When a child is baptized, our entire congregation makes a promise to help nurture and guide them in faith. That promise shapes how we welcome and include children in worship and in the life of our church.

Here are a few ways we can all support and celebrate children in our community:

Say Hello

Take a moment during the Passing of the Peace, Social Hour, worship, or Christian Education events to greet families. Learn names. Start conversations. Let them know they’re seen and valued.

Serve in Sunday School

Sign up to teach or assist in our Sunday School classes. Your presence helps form lasting relationships and shapes young faith.

Be a Guide in Worship
Children are still learning how worship works. Help them find their place in the bulletin, locate hymns, and follow along with prayers and liturgy

Celebrate God’s Beautiful Diversity
Not all needs are visible. Some children (and adults) may express themselves with sounds or behaviors that are unfamiliar. Instead of discomfort, let’s respond with grace and curiosity. Encourage children to ask questions and help them embrace God’s wide and wonderful world.

Remember Your Own Faith Journey
Think back to the adults who shaped your faith. Now it’s your turn. Help create a space where children feel safe, loved, and free to grow in Christ’s love—just like we all do.

Click here for a guide to help you and your children feel at home during the sanctuary service or here for a guide to the chapel service.

Cherub Choir Pre-K - 1st Grade

Director: LeAnn Malecha

Thursday 4:30-5:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.

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

Sunday 11:35 a.m -12:05 p.m. in the Bell Room.

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

Sunday 11:10-11:35 a.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.

Our confirmation program is designed for students in 8th grade and above who are ready to explore what it means to personally confirm the promises made at their baptism. We use Confirm not Conform: Presbyterian Edition, a dynamic Episcopal curriculum tailored for Presbyterian youth. This program invites students to engage deeply with a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, creeds, heresy, prayer, other religions, and service to others, all while encouraging them to reflect on what they believe and why.

Confirm not Conform emphasizes discovering one’s own voice rather than simply conforming to outside expectations. It respects the thoughtful, meaningful work that youth and adults do as they grow in faith—trusting that when individuals take the time to reflect and articulate their beliefs, they will be well equipped to take the next step on their faith journey.

Classes meet on 17 Sundays throughout the school year. We begin with a weekend retreat before the school year starts and conclude with an all-church celebration on a Saturday in the weeks leading up to Confirmation in May.