Children and Youth

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
(Luke 18:16-17)

Children are an important and growing part of the CHPC community. We seek to include them in worship and church activities so as to provide a nurturing environment in which they can grow in their faith and feel secure in raising difficult questions about their faith and the world around us.

Children and youth regularly participate in worship. At each service, the youngest children come forward for a “Time for Children” during which a biblical idea or Christian teaching is presented in an engaging and age appropriate way. Older children sometimes participate with the adult choir on special occasions. All children participate in a children’s choir or theatrical group that occasionally performs during service.

Youth Church School

Youth Church School classes are offered for children of all ages, beginning at preschool age, and are designed to provide basic Christian education for the children, and a Christian framework for the older children and youth to use when discussing and facing real life situations. All children’s classes incorporate music and play-acting to enhance their understanding of biblical stories. The youth class is more discussion-oriented and seeks to make the bible accessible and relevant to the 21st century teenager.

Youth Church School classes are held at church every Sunday morning from 9:45-10:45am (excepting Summer). We currently have four Youth Sunday School classes, grouped in the following age ranges

Preschoolers (4 and under)

5-8

9-12

13-18

Confirmation

Confirmation gives our young people the opportunity to explore the Christian faith by providing a safe, nurturing environment in which youth can learn about the Christian faith, grapple with vexing, complicated questions of faith, share with other young people in service, and decide whether to claim the Presbyterian faith as his/her own. Junior High and High School age youth have participated in many of our mission projects to Mexico, Mississippi and elsewhere.

Child Care

Child care is provided for church services and school on Sundays from 9:45am - 12:15pm. The Nursery is located on the first floor behind the stage in Fellowship Hall. For families wishing to worship with their children, but are seeking more privacy, there is an enclosed Family Room on the third floor overlooking the sanctuary which is furnished with rocking chairs, a crib, toys, crayons, etc. The church has in place a child protection policy requiring two registered adult leaders to be with the children at all times.

For more information about any of our youth programs, day care, confirmation or Sunday School please contact Marla Burton or call the church at 202-547-8676.