We have a new ‘pray ground’ in the back of the sanctuary–a space for young children who need a break and want to do a quiet activity like coloring, or for infants with parents to use a rocking chair.
Religious education for children at First Church is founded on learning about the Christian faith, the tradition of the United Church of Christ, and each member of the church’s undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience.
Faith in action at First Church takes many different forms for our children. Social and ecological justice are at the heart of love for each other and the world. These themes are explored through music, reading from and reflecting on the Bible, poetry/stories, hands-on service projects, and opportunities to share and learn from congregation members.
Together, we read the stories of the Bible and discuss their relevance in our lives. We explore what Jesus said and did in relation to those who are not ‘seen’ in this world the way God meant us all to be seen and we strive to live up to his teachings.
Through the lens of our faith and an experiential curriculum, we encourage children to reflect on their own understanding and relationship with God, and all things holy and divine in their world as a source of comfort and strength, and to engage with the broader world.
Children at First Church have opportunities to participate in liturgy through music, readings and children’s sermons, and also have their own religious education experience differentiated by age/interest/comfort level, incorporating those experiences in Bible study, nature hikes, making art, and working on justice projects.
Please feel free to email or call the church if you’d like to speak with our Religious Education staff directly. We’d be thrilled to share more.
Communication: Our Education newsletter will be in the weekly First Church newsletter, under ‘Sunday School News.’ Let us know if you would like to be added to the list.
The Safe Church Policy: All children are protected at First Church by our Safe Church Policy. Children are always supervised by two adults. Our teachers and staff are screened for safety backgrounds, and are trained in the Safe Church principles of the United Church of Christ.
Our Whole Lives (OWL): First Church occasionally offers this comprehensive sexuality education program.
First Church in Ipswich, MA, UCC 