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.
Church School for Children and Parents 2010
Pre-school Children, Ages 3 and 4
We Believe. A curriculum specially developed by the Presbyterian Church (USA) to introduce young children to the Christian story. During spring 2010, we will concentrate on themes that introduce children to the teachings of Jesus. The goals for children in this age group are (1) to know that God loves the child, (2) to know that all people are loved by God, (3) to experience the church as a safe, loving place, (4) to recognize key Bible persons by name, and (5) to say key words of the worship service. For more information, please contact Marisa Scalera.
Kindergarten/Elementary School Children, Ages 5 to 12
Godly Play: No Single Way to Learn. A Christian curriculum based on the Montessori teaching philosophy, which recognizes that children have different styles of learning as well as different gifts. Godly Play respects those who need to see written information and those who rely on kinetic learning, those who learn better in small groups and those who need to be on their own. This is why the curriculum can span such a wide age range. We tell stories with multi-sensory materials. In the “response time” the children who work best together can pair off or form groups to work on creative projects. Those who work best alone have the time and space to concentrate on projects by themselves. Then we gather the children together for storytelling and worship at the end of class. For more information, please contact Sally Stoecker or Marla Burton.
Confirmation, Age 13
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. For more information, please contact Pastor Andy Walton .
Older Youth, Ages 13 to 18
The Bible. In spring 2010, the youth will examine the Bible from three perspectives. First, we will explore the Bible as a literary book with allegories, poetry, big characters, and shocking stories. Second, we will examine the Bible’s impact on society and the secular world through personal investigation, internet research, and discussion. Finally, we will explore the Bible as our source of personal guidance, will contemplate the life of Jesus as a model for our lives, and will seek to understand more about God’s will for each of us. We will revisit favorite Bible stories and reflect on pertinent Bible verses. We will explore the fundamental concepts of grace, forgiveness, and love. For more information, please contact Gary Barbour.
Parents, All Ages
Christian Parenting. A monthly discussion group on the second Sunday of every month for parents with children of all ages. Each session is devoted to a different subject, such as: How do you talk to children about God? How do you teach your children to pray? How do you raise a generous child? How important is Church School for developing Christian children. Topics are announced in advance. For more information, please contact Sara Fritz
Go here for church school resources
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.
