Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church
The focus of children’s ministry at First Presbyterian is immersion into the language, life, and community of faith. Children learn and develop their faith by being surrounded by love, nurtured in their creativity, and encouraged in their consistency. Our children’s ministry program is organized around five aspects of faith development that, when attended together, create a whole Christian experience for children: worship, church school, recreation, service, and special events. Also, stay up-to-date on events using our calendar and Children’s newsletter.
Worship is, of course, the primary shared experience in a church family. At First Presbyterian, children are a fully vested, fully engaged, and celebrated part of that experience. Children at First Presbyterian sing in worship, collect offerings, and serve as liturgists. Once every year, on the third Sunday in October, they also lead worship during our celebration of Children’s Sabbath, a time when the children learn about worship and teach worship to our congregation.
Christian Education for Children.
First Presbyterian is committed to educating children in the life of the Christian Church including Bible studies, tradition, spiritual practice, and lessons in communal living and decision-making. That’s why we begin Christian Education at birth with a delightful song-based curriculum. Then, at four children have access to two wonderful curricula, Godly Play and We Believe, that focus on teaching and applying Bible stories in ways that emphasize their beauty, importance and fun. Christian Education happens in lots of other ways outside church school, however. For a complete listing of Educational Opportunities for children, visit the Education portion of our website.
To live the gospel means to do the gospel. Our children know that. Most of us in Children’s Ministry cannot point to a time when we were more sure of our children’s faith, than when we have watched them serving others. Throughout the year, the children of First Presbyterian take on projects specifically designed to serve others. In 2008 and 2009, many children participated in our Family Mission Trip where they hosted a Vacation Bible School for local children in Cosby, Tennessee. In 2009, service projects also included collecting cans door-to-door for Manna Food Bank, Wednesday evening field trips to places like Azalea Trace, a donation to our South African Partnership of over $1400 raised in years past from Sunday School offerings, and raising almost $2500 for a local children’s charity by selling the art from their art camp.
Children’s monthly fellowship gives children and their families at least one recreational activity every month to enjoy as a community. Activities have included skating, picnics, parties, bowling, Little Theatre, Triple Play, and trips to Dogwood Acres.
Special Events for Children.
Special events have become one of the signature qualities of children’s ministry at FPC. They teach and express creativity, inclusiveness, discovery, exploration, outreach, connection to the larger church community and faith in God. Plus, the kids just have a blast while they do it! Special events for children at FPC include Children’s Christmas Pageant, Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat, Children’s Sabbath, Magic Wardrobe, and Vacation Bible School.
Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church
FPC has an engaging and exciting youth ministry. Its webpage is forthcoming!
Adult Ministry at First Presbyterian Church
Adult Ministry at First Presbyterian Church consists of worship, regular fellowship or dinner groups called Food, Fun, and Fellowship, Educational opportunities of all kinds, and annual events.
Worship
is the central aspect of our life together as a church family. More than anything else, we are called together to confess, praise, and witness the love of Christ. We do this every Sunday, of course, through scripture, prayer, preaching and song. We celebrate together with a Sanctuary Choir and a praise band, with our own Pensacola Children’s Chorus, with elders, with children, and with youth.
Food, Fun, and Fellowship is perfectly described in its title. In order to get to know each other, stay in touch with each other, and strengthen Christian fellowship, First Presbyterian has organized five fellowship groups that meet at different times and locations, according to the convenience of its members. Adults can decide which group they would like to participate in based on the age of the group, and what time and place work for them. Food, Fun, and Fellowship is a well-attended, popular program at First Presbyterian. Fore more information on how you can join us, review the options below and call us at 438-9619.
Saturday Evening Fellowship for Young Adults meets on either the first or second Saturday of every month and consists of adults from 25-45. Anyone is welcome. Email Deborah Potter at deborahpotter@me.com or Anne Broos at arbroos@gmail.com to find out the next location and time.
Saturday Evening Group usually in homes. Coordinated by member Stephanie Vockell.
Sunday Lunch Bunch meets every other month on the 3rd Sunday usually at a restaurant. Coordinated by member Pat Hutchings.
Sunday Night group meets every other month on the First Sunday or four times a year depending on the host or hostesses’ choice. Usually in homes. Coordinated by member Ruth Stewart.
Friday Evening Group meets every other month on the first Friday usually in homes. Coordinated by member M. Brunner.
Educational Ministry. Christian Education is a critical part of ministry for adults. For a complete listing of educational opportunities at First Presbyterian, visit the Education page of our website.
Women’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church.
Women’s Ministry at First Presbyterian is centered around Presbyterian Women a denomination-wide ministry offering opportunities for fellowship and Christian Discipleship for more than 200 years. Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian sponsor women’s Bible studies, fellowship opportunities, and service projects. To find out how you can be a part of this amazing organization, call the church office at 438-9619.
Men’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church.
Men’s Ministry at First Presbyterian is centered around our ever thriving Pinky Bach Men’s Bible Breakfast, Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m., Small Dining Room, Jane C. Noonan Center, across the back parking lot from the Sanctuary Building. Men all over our community get together at First Presbyterian on Tuesday mornings for a delicious home-cooked breakfast, hearty discussion, and faith-building. The eggs are always done right, the topics always relevant and the crowd lively--even at this time of the morning! Don’t miss it!
