Children's Ministries

First Presbyterian Church of

Mount Vernon Ohio

106 North Gay Street

Mount Vernon OH 43050

740-393-1326

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. M-F

Sunday Schedule

8:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship

9:45 a.m.

Christian Education for all ages

11:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship

Children’s Ministries

Children’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church ministers to the needs of children from infants through 5^th grade. For additional information contact George Stone, Elder for Children’s Ministries at 740-397-8619 or georgewstone1@embarqmail.com.

Children’s Ministries at First Presbyterian Church exists so children learn that “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…”

Nursery and Child Care for infants, toddlers and pre-school kids is provided every Sunday from 8:30 AM until completion of the late Worship service and during special events. Parents should bring children to room 102 (lower level) in the Christian Education wing. Carly Briggs, Childcare Attendant, is assisted each week by adult and teen volunteers. One or two Bible stories and related projects are presented every week along with music and an occasional video. Stories are from “The Beginner’s Bible” and the children will hear age appropriate stores from Genesis through Revelation over the course year. While most babies are brought in carry seats, cribs are provided if they are preferred. The toddlers are provided a snack of juice and a treat. Please be sure to inform Carly of any allergies or other special medical needs. Parents are provided a pager in case of need.

Sunday school for Kindergarten through 5^th graders is from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM. Sunday school begins for all the children in room 203 of the Christian Education wing. After songs, an exciting Bible story and prayer, the children go to age graded classrooms. Kindergarten, first and second graders meet in room 200. Third, fourth and fifth graders meet in room 201.

“Kid Connection” Sunday school curriculum is being used. “Kid Connection” has been developed by Faith Alive Christian Resources and is endorsed by the Presbyterian Church, USA. The Gospel is good news that requires a joyful presentation and response. “Kid Connection” sessions include lots of games, drama, music, and other fun activities designed to keep the children eager to come back for more. It's our objective to make Sunday school a time kids don't want to miss! The entire Bible is covered in lessons during the four year cycle of “Kid Connection”.

“Children’s Moment” and “Our Chapel” is conducted during the 11:00 AM traditional worship service. Children attend worship with their parents. Early in the service, a “Children’s Moment” is presented. Following that the children leave to participate in “Our Chapel” children’s worship in room 202 of the Christian Education wing. Kyle Peters, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, along with adult volunteers are responsible for this ministry.

Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00 PM includes music and a play presented by the children.

Special Programs are held each year that serve both children of the church and the neighborhood. In the past these included an informal Children’s Choir, Halloween Trick or Treat, an “Aloha in Alaska” Saturday program in the winter, and a “Harvest Hoedown” in the fall.

Scouting has been a ministry of First Presbyterian since formation of a Boy Scout Troop in 1937.

● Cub Scout Pack 339 for boys in 1^st-5^th grade meets under the leadership of Cubmaster Ryan Rupp, 740-397-4292 or ryan@whiteoakfarm.com. The boys meet in Dens by age group including Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs and Webelos Scouts.

● Boy Scout Troop 339 for boys in 6^th-12^th grade meets Tuesday evenings in the Scout room under the leadership of Scoutmaster Brian McDonough, 740-397-2525 or BrianMc@jeld-wen.com.

● Girl Scouts will begin meeting at First Presbyterian Church in September, 2009. Programs for girls in kindergarten through 6^th grade will include Daisy’s, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes. The leader coordinating these programs is Sara Lawhon, 397-4292.

Child Safety Guidelines have been approved by Session (elders) so every child will have a safe and rewarding experience at First Presbyterian Church. We also desire to protect and support those who work with our children. These guidelines include: how volunteers are selected and approved, making sure we do not give potential abusers opportunity, discipline, definitions of child abuse, and reporting obligations and procedures. Copies of Child Safety Guidelines are available from the church office.

Sunday School lesson for March 7th for grades K-5 is ““Oil or Toil” 2 Kings 4:1-7. Through God’s servant Elisha, we see God’s power to do amazing things to provide for our needs.