Christian Education

Our Christian Education ministry is focused on the well-being, spiritual formation and education of individuals and the church as a whole. Specifically, the Sunday School program provides an introduction to the traditions and stories of our faith in a loving environment. Intergenerational events provide many opportunities for fellowship, education and spiritual formation.

Our Christian Education Ministry is led by Christian Education Director, Priscilla Duda

and carried out by a group of adults who facilitate all aspects of Christian Education. Anyone with an interest is invited to participate in this important ministry of the church. Contact cedirector.fpchurch@verizon.net.

Children and Youth at First Parish

Let the children come to me for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:16

All young people are welcome in our worship every week. Our SS & YG start each Sunday in the Chapel building, (located behind Sovereign Bank next to the Manchester Library). Students meet in their classrooms where preschool through 5th grade learn about God through the Godly Play curriculum and sing with our Music teacher, Ann Greenleaf. Children join their families at the end of the morning worship in the Sanctuary. Grades 6 through 12 participate in youth group.
During the year children also participate in worship by singing in our Sunday School choir and serving as bell ringers and acolytes and additional worship services listed *below. Older youth serve as liturgists, readers and greeters. Children are welcome to receive Holy Communion, at the discretion of their parents. Holy Communion instruction is offered to our 4th & 5th grade class.

First Communion Class 2011

Curriculum

Sunday School starts for children at preschool age and continues through the eighth grade. Confirmation is a two-year program for youth in 9th and 10th grades. The Sunday School program uses the Godly Play curriculum, which through storytelling teaches the bible stories and traditions of our faith and highlights God’s love and grace for all God’s children and the welcoming message of the gospel that Jesus proclaimed.

Nursery

Sundays 9:45 am. to 11:30 a.m.
Our professional nursery staff welcomes and cares for children from infancy through age 3 on Sundays from 9:45 a.m. until the end of the worship service. Nursery care is also available during some of our educational events and special programs.

Godly Play for preschool through Grade 5

Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
“Engaging the whole child: heart, mind, hands, senses, intuition.” Godly Play is a Montessori-related approach to learning which enables children to experience the presence of a loving God and discover how to “speak the language” of their biblical faith. The Godly Play curriculum is focused on both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures. It is a discovery method of learning using storytelling and props which enables young children to encounter God. Its intent is to invite children to experience God’s presence as real and loving. Godly Play is offered at First Parish on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. for children ages prek through grade 3, in three rooms designed for Godly Play.

SOLACE (Youth Group) Grades 6-8, led by our Youth Director, Jared Hamilton

Sundays at 10:00 a.m. For questions about youth programs contact youthdirector.fpchurch@verizon.net.

so-lace – something that gives comfort, rest or relief.
Our youth live very busy lives. The mission of our youth group at First Parish Church is to provide an environment of solace – of rest, comfort and safety where youth can learn and engage the still living faith.

Our youth group meets each Sunday morning (September to June) at 10:00am in the youth room located in the chapel. Each class begins with a breakfast, shared joys and concerns and is followed by a lesson of the day. We use a curriculum called re:form that utilizes a variety of media to engage the questions youth have about faith. We also have special events each month that range from 80’s movie night, to apple picking to service projects. Finally youth have several opportunities throughout the year to participate in the worship services at the church.

Confirmation for Grades 9 and above

Of the earliest Christians Acts 2:42 tells us that, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” The confirmation group at First Parish Church explores many of these same expects – the Holy Scriptures, fellowship, the breaking of bread (or pizza slices!) and Christian practices. We believe that the process of confirmation helps our youth grow in their understanding and experiences of God, the church and their faith. Currently our Confirmation program is a two year process for youth who are 14 years or older and is conducted by the Youth Director. Affirming Our Faith. Through classroom lessons, service work, and retreats, the young people begin to understand the Christian Faith as lived in community. At the end of the two-year cycle, a confirmand chooses whether to be confirmed and become a member of the church.

Summer Youth Series

Re-creation is the theme of the Summer Youth Series at First Parish Church. The Summer Youth Series is a popular ten-week program for youth of the church and the wider community that provides opportunities for fun, relaxation and service. Canoe trips, mini golf and excursions to local theme parks are a few of the past events in this program.

High School Youth

Throughout the year programs are offered for our High School youth. High School youth also play an active role in our Sunday School as teachers and volunteers. Service projects and mission trips are offered yearly.

*Events for Families with Children

In addition to our Sunday morning School, families with children participate in special intergenerational events:

Jazz Celebration Sunday worship, a lively Church service featuring jazz music followed by a luncheon in September
Ingathering Sunday and Fall food drive, led by the Missions committee
Thanksgiving Baskets for the Manchester COA, assembled in November
Christmas Pageant presentation in December
Christmas Eve Family Candlelight service, at 5 p.m., a festive Christmas service and lighting of candles during “Silent Night”.
Birthday Bash luncheon, celebrates all birthdays in our Church
Heifer International Fundraiser, features a Church-wide Talent Show and luncheon in the spring
Palm Sunday and Easter worship services include an ecumenical Sunrise Service on Easter morning at Singing Beach
Children’s Sunday, a year end celebration, worship service and teacher appreciation luncheon
Tuck’s Point family worship service, followed by a Church community picnic in June

First Parish Playgroup

The First Parish Playgroup is a community outreach program that is open to parents and caregivers with their children under six. Our playgroup for young children and their caregivers meets weekly, Tuesday mornings in the Chapel. First Parish provides ride-on toys, goldfish crackers, coffee for Moms and nannies, and a simple craft. A good time is had by all in this low-key, friendly atmosphere. Please spread the word and invite any young families that are new to town or in need of friendship and support. Our playgroup is a great way for families to get hooked into the Manchester family scene. And we welcome volunteers to lead crafts, sing songs, read stories, or even bake with the kids. Playgroup is open to everyone and there is no charge. Snacks are provided and the children have a great time.

Faith Formation at First Parish led by Dr. Judy Haley, Pastoral Assistant

What are some biblical resources for building trust?
How can we as Christians handle conflict faithfully?
How can we understand people whose fundamental values are different from ours?

Identity theft, gossip, scams, broken relationships, double-dip recession, political acrimony… In the face of a divided and polarized society, we live in a world hungry for trust-worthy communities. This fall our adult education program at First Parish will focus on how to build and sustain trust in our personal and work relationships and in our life as a church. Join us for one or more of these events. For more information, contact Judy Haley pastoralassist.fpchurch@verizon.net

Some of our on-going programs include:

Growing Together, Topical discussion of books, ideas, and controversies for building trust in the real world. We’ll start with a look at conflict and scapegoats in the Bible–a strange but important starting point for thinking about building trust. Thursday evenings 7:30-9:00 p.m. Conference room in the Chapel building.
Friday Afternoon Bible Study, Informative, thoughtful, and supportive discussion of the Bible passages on which the Sunday sermon will be based. Weekly 4-5:30 p.m. Conference room in the Chapel building.
Soup and Conversation,a monthly lunch, presentation, and discussion forum of such topics as the history of St. Nicolas, and the value of Santa for children, the role of women in early Christianity, and faith and the financial situation.
Women’s Gatherings, occasional events to explore our tradition through meditation, retreats, and the arts.
Book Group, a monthly discussion group that explores theology through current fiction and non-fiction.
Care Team, a hands-on outreach team that provides meals, rides, & visits to sustain families in our Church Community through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful support system please contact the Church office, office.fpchurch@verizon.net

In 2009, a group of high school youth participated in a Youth Exchange with the Union of Evangelical Churches in Westfalia, Germany. The students were hosted by a local church in Hemer, Germany. Led by Rev. John Hughes, Mrs. Marilyn Hughes and Ms. Christiane Alsop, the students spent one week with German families and then embarked on a journey across Germany on the way to their final destination: Berlin. The focus of the trip was to study the origins of Christianity and the relationship of church to culture, specifically exploring the differences in Christianity between Germany and the United States.