Children’s Ministry
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Matthew 19:14 (NRSV)
Presbyterian Kids Connection (PKC)
3rd-5th Grades
Presbyterian Kids Connection (PKC) is our youth group for 3rd - 5th graders! We usually gather one Sunday a month from Noon – 2:00 for lunch and an activity where a member of the congregation shares a skill or interest with the kids. We build relationships across the generations of our church and the kids work on building relationships with each other as a youth group. We all enjoy the fun, faith, and fellowship with these great events!
Upcoming PKC Events
Milestones
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The Milestones Ministry recognizes important steps in the life of faith
To provide children with information and experiences as they grow in faith
To equip parents to be involved in the Christian education of their children
To recognize and celebrate milestone events with the congregation
To assist the congregation in fulfilling the vows made at baptism to nurture faith
Here’s what’s coming up for the Milestones Ministry:
“Pray with Me” – For 1st graders – but because this is a new milestone we invite all 1st, 2nd , and 3rd graders and their parents to participate on January 25 in the Prayer Education Workshop and celebration in worship.
“Walk with Me” – For 5th graders and their parents to participate on February 8 in the Baptism Education Workshop and celebration in worship.
“Confirmation” is a journey with classes and experiences and that help 8th and 9th grade youth to learn about the covenant relationships involved in church membership, culminating in a personal confirmation of the vows made for them at baptism. Here’s what’s going with our Confirmation Class:
January 4 – March 29, 2026, 9:30 – 10:30 – Confirmation Classes on Sundays
April 10-12, 2026 – Spring Retreat
April 26, 2026 – Confirmation Class meets with the Session
May 3, 2026 – Confirmation Sunday
“Journey of Faith” – May 17, recognition and blessing of the high school and college graduates. If you have a graduate in your family please let us know by contacting Kathy Gillmore at dce@fpchsv.org.
“Welcome Me” – For 3rd graders and their parents to participate in a Communion Education Workshop and celebration in worship as we welcome these children to the Lord’s Table. Because we are making a change from 1st grade to 3rd grade for this milestone, we will schedule this milestone as needed in the future.
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Children in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades (and older) and their parents are invited to join Pastor Karl and Kathy Gillmore to participate in this milestone:
Prayer Education Workshop, January 25, 9:30 – 10:30, in Fellowship Hall.
Learn about the spiritual practice of prayer
Discuss the importance of prayer in your life of faith
Discover different ways to pray
The congregation will celebrate this milestone with a “Pray with Me” blessing and gifts of a finger labyrinth, hand-held wooden cross, and a book, January 25, at the 11:00 service.
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Children in 5th grade (and older) and their parents are invited to join Pastor Karl and Kathy Gillmore to participate in this milestone:
Baptism Education Workshop, February 8, 9:30 – 10:30, in Fellowship Hall.
Learn about the sacrament of Baptism and the promises that were made on their behalf by their parents and the congregation.
Discuss the significance of confirming their own faith when they are in 8th grade, and what that process of Confirmation will involve.
Discover who walks with children on their journey of faith!
The congregation will celebrate this milestone with a “Walk with Me” blessing and gift of a walking stick, February 8, at the 11:00 service.
Children’s Church
Ideal for ages 3 to 6 (Room 205)
Dedicated Nursery for infants (Room 105)
Children of all ages (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers) are always welcome to worship for the full hour with the congregation. We encourage even young children to join the first part of the service. After the “Time for Young Disciples” in both worship services, we invite children to Room 205 for Children’s Church to continue worshiping in their own special way.
Our Children’s Ministry Assistants greet infants, toddlers, and children at the back of the sanctuary right after the “Time for Young Disciples.” They are ready to escort them to either the Nursery (Room 105) or Children’s Church (Room 205). Parents may drop off young children before the service or walk them over after the children’s moment.
When children arrive for Children’s Church, they sit in a circle on the floor. We begin with a greeting and a song to prepare our hearts to hear one of God’s stories. Next, we tell and show a Bible story using Godly Play materials (simple wooden figures and structures that spark imagination). Together, we wonder about the parts of the story we like best, what might be important, and what God wants us to know or do now that we have heard it.
Then, children respond to the story with art and other hands-on materials. Near the end of the hour, we return to the worship circle, light our Christ candle, read from the Bible, and sing songs of praise.
Children’s Church is ideal for ages 3 to 6, but even younger children can join with help from our adult or youth helpers. Older children often learn deeply and enjoy guiding the little ones. We also have a dedicated Nursery for infants, staffed by six caring leaders and assistants who love children of every age.
Each Sunday, children learn songs, Bible stories, and simple ways to talk and listen to God.
All are welcome. Come grow with us!
Children's Church
