Faith Alive (Sunday School) Location: CLC at 9:55 each Sunday
Children age 3 – 8th grade and their parents are encouraged to attend the gathering assembly in the CLC where we sing, pray, hear the story and learn the weekly Bible verse. (Senior high youth meet in the Shalom Center.) For example, on October 18we meet Ruth.Her story is in the book of Ruth. The memory verse is Ruth 1:16.
You can go on-line anytime to the curriculum's web page to find free activities to do related to our story--games, songs and more! In the box with four red circles find the spot that says “Your Fink Link code”. To access the activities for the story of Ruth you would type in the code PL04. (That stands for Promised Land Story Four.) Check each week for the code that matches the Bible passage and story for that week. Find it by clicking on the Faith Alive Link on the Learn Page or click this link: Faith Alive Scripture of the Week
Every family is encouraged to participate in The Faith Five. This is a 5 minute tool to help families talk about their faith every night. Find the best time for your family--around the dinner table, traveling home from an event, or maybe right before bed and follow the five steps. If you live by yourself, phone a friend and visit with them about what's happening in their life.
1. Share your high and low for the day. 2. Read the Bible verse for the week (Ruth 1:16 for October 18) or any verse. 3. Talk about how that verse relates to your highs and lows. 4. Pray for each other remembering the highs and lows. 5. Bless each other as a reminder that we are each a child of God loved and cared for by God. (A suggested blessing is located at the website too.)
This is a very easy and effective devotion. I have posters of the Faith 5 available in my office for you to use.
You can still order a T-shirt or hoodie with the Faith 5 on it. The program staff and Christian Education Ministry Team want to help everyone to try this in their home for six weeks (so it becomes a habit).
Wednesday Night Live is using the Faith Five in their small group time. We have children praying for each other, Bible verses are committed to memory, and we are celebrating life's simple joys together as well as caring about each other’s lows. We are building deeper friendships because of the Faith Five. Please take the challenge and find someone to do this with. "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!" Joshua 24:15b
MAC I and MAC II -- Monday Afternoon Club
Each month during the school year elementary children in grades 1-4 meet for a time of study, music, crafts, games and snack. MAC I meets on the 1st Monday and is for grades 3 and 4. MAC II meets on the 2nd Monday and is for grades 1 and 2. Children's Choir is also coming back--watch for details!
Reminder: No school -- No Monday Afternoon Club
WNL -- Wednesday Night Live
WNL is a mid-week program for youth in grades 5-8 that provides an opportunity to explore one's identity in a Christian environment through Bible class, creative games, music, drama and service projects. WNL ends each week with supper followed by a table game. Special events are planned during the year. Email newsletters and updates are sent regularly along with the church newsletter. Messages are also communicated through the church phone tree system. The 5-7th graders study In the Beginning, a study on the book of Genesis and then A Ride through Romans during the second semester. These two books of the Bible give us a great overview of the Christian faith. The 8th graders meet with Pastor Austin Hill for confirmation. The students learn about the purpose and practice of worship, the origin and meaning of the sacraments, the purpose and place of prayer, and study the nature of the service to which we have been called as Christ's followers. At the completion of the year each student will select a covenant partner, write a statement of faith, select a Bible verse for life and attend a Session meeting. A retreat will be offered along with several service rpojects and church visits to learn about other faiths. A class for 8th grade parents will be offered the first Wednesday monthly to help work with your child. Check out the Calendar link to see what is happening.
Reminder: No school -- No WNL
KidZone Daycare & Preschool
KidZone Daycare and Preschool is a non-profit daycare licensed by DHS to serve up to 75 children weekdays from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Kidzone employs a staff of about twenty full and part time attendants under the leadership of director, Karen Lloyd. A preschool is offered weekday mornings taught by licensed teacher Michelle Rogers. Click the link to go directly to the KidZone page.
Presbyterian Church Camp
April 19 Sunday school children and youth were invited to experience “Master of Miracles”. An early registration discount is available to all church members and friends who sign up on line to attend the Presbyterian Camp on Okoboji. First Presbyterian Church pays ½ the total fee of one camp for each church family member, Monday afternoon Club member or Wednesday Night Live member. They will also help sponsor a friend to attend by paying ¼ the total cost of the camp. Go to Presbyterian Camp Website--LINK: www.presbycamp.org
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School for kids Kindergarten through 4th grade is offered each year in June. Check for details as the date approaches!
Church Nursery
The church nursery is available during all church services and Faith Alive time (Sunday School).
The Nursery is also available for many church gatherings and meetings upon request. Contact Laura Stover or the church office.