Children Ministry

Children and Youth are a vital part of our congregation at First Congregational U.C.C. We offer programs to provide for the spiritual growth and fellowship of our young people. Whoever we are, whatever our age, we encounter and interpret the biblical story through the lens of our life experience.  We learn from it and grow with it and when we share our understandings with others, we learn and grow even more.

Our Sunday School program meets on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 worship service. The children begin in worship with their families (except on the first Sunday of the month when they join their families in worship at the end of the service for Holy Communion).  Children learn to worship by being in worship and following along in the service. Just prior to the scripture reading in the worship service the children are invited to join their classmates in age-appropriate classes which are held in our education building.

Sunday School classes meet in the education wing of the church from 9:30 – 10:30 (ushers will be glad to assist you in finding the appropriate classroom). In this safe environment, children and youth are invited to learn and explore the stories of our faith through storytelling, discussion, games, drama, crafts, exploration, discovery and fellowship. They are then encouraged to live their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Please plan to join us for any of our educational programs. For more information about any of the Christian Education programs at First Congregational United Church of Christ please feel free to contact  Rev. Jesse Tanner at 847-741-4045.

Nursery (Babies – 3 year olds)

This class is held in the nursery on the main level. The babies will be cuddled and the toddlers will be taught about the love of God through play, story and song.

Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten (ages 4-5)

Classroom is on the main level next to the Conference Room. The active little ones enjoy playing, hearing a story and making a craft to take home.

First and Second Grade

Classroom is on the upper level, north end of the building. These young learners are engaged in one of the many stories of our faith. With the use of their imaginations, emotions, and minds, students will be invited into the biblical world, its dilemmas, and situations. By entering into the biblical story, persons of all ages may come to imagine themselves, their community, and their world in new ways.

Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades

Classroom is on the upper level middle of the hall. Students at this level read the biblical story, and experience and participate in various activities to enhance their understanding of the message. Lessons often include arts & crafts, games, and drama to help the biblical story have meaning for their daily living.

Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades

Classroom is on the upper level. Students in this age group will use the lens of their faith to explore issues affecting their daily life. Through the discussion of current events, teen pressures, moral dilemmas, and decision making they will seek to discover ways the biblical story connects with their daily life. Special activities such as retreats and mission trips are an important part of the faith formation of this age group.

Sr. High School

Classroom – upper level. The Senior High class remains in worship* through the sermon each Sunday and leave the service during the hymn after the sermon. Class time includes discussion of the sermon, current events, teen pressures, moral dilemmas, scripture reading and how faith impacts their daily life. decision making they will seek to discover ways the biblical story connects with their daily life. Special activities such as retreats and mission trips are an important part of the faith formation of this age group