Preschool Program

The Great Beginnings Preschool is a ministry of the First Presbyterian Church. It is governed by a Preschool Committee consisting of parents and church members, under the oversight of the church’s ruling elders. Lorraine Benthin in our beloved Preschool Director.

Description

School starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 12:00 noon. Our classes are:

  • Two-Year Old Class – meets on Wednesday and Thursdays each week. The maximum enrollment is 12 (one class)
  • Three-Year Old Class – meets on Mondays and Tuesdays of each week. The maximum enrollment is 12 per class (two classes)
  • Four-Year Old (3 Days) Class – meets on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Each class has a maximum enrollment of 12 (two classes).
  • Four-Year Old (5 Days) Class – meets 5 days a week. The maximum enrollment is 9 (one class)

Chapel Time with Pastor Peter Smith – Tuesday and Thursday

Our pastor visits with all of our Preschool students each week and shares a Bible story. He also helps lead the children in singing some of their favorite Bible songs.

Children’s Ministries

First Presbyterian Church is a family-focused congregation where children are cherished. In addition to our excellent weekday Preschool program, we offer a variety of special opportunities for children of all ages to learn and grow in the grace of God with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Jennifer Shafer is our Director of Children's Ministries.

Nursery

Chris Carter is our Nursery Director. She and her team of adult volunteers provide loving and attentive care to infants and toddlers every Sunday morning (Sunday School and worship).

Sunday School

Lisa Lovett teaches our younger children, and Martha Corum teaches our older elementary-age children. They meet upstairs in the Education Building. Parents may count on thoughtful and caring Bible teaching for their children every week at First Presbyterian Church.

Children's Sermon

Every Sunday morning worship service features a special time with the children at the front of the church led by our Jennifer Shafer, Director of Children's Ministries. She shares a Bible story, usually a visual demonstration, and prayer always with good humor and personal attention to each of the children, whom she knows by name. Her Bible story is coordinated with the lesson that she shares at Children's Church after the Children's Sermon.

Children's Church

After the Children's Sermon, children are invited to go with Jennifer Shafer (Director of Children's Ministries) to Children's Church in the Activity Room upstairs, where they share crafts and Bible stories until the end of the worship service. It is one of our favorite spaces in the building!

Sunday Afternoon Children’s Program, "Science with Jesus" -- Sundays, 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Jennifer Shafer and Chris Carter, along with a team of adult volunteers (including the pastor), lead a fun-filled children's program every Sunday afternoon. There are games, crafts, snacks, music, and a fascinating science experiment tied to the weekly Bible story.

Vacation Bible School

Every summer First Presbyterian Church offers Vacation Bible School for children in our community up through fifth grade. It starts Sunday evening (6:00 to 8:00 PM) and ends Thursday evening. Children are invited to sing in worship the following Sunday. It is fun for everyone!

Call the church office and ask for the pastor if you would like more information about our growing and adventurous children's ministries at First Presbyterian Church. All adult volunteers pass a criminal background screening process.