Elementary School Program

Mind,Body,Spirit,Voice... WorshipThe Elementary School Program is a holistic approach, similar to the YMCA’s approach of mind, body, and spirit, through the study of hymns, liturgy, scripture, music theory and fundamentals, and fun and fellowship through organized recreation. The children are broken into the 3 groups, 1) Kindergarteners and First Grade and 2) Second graders and Third graders and 3)  Fourth and Fifth. Each child that participates is automatically a part of a Covenant Choir with the goal to give each individual opportunities to have fun, grow, learn, and actively participate in in the larger body of Christ during Sunday worship. Participation on Sunday mornings is completely voluntary. First Presbyterian is committed to encouraging ALL AGES to be actively involved in the life of the church.

All 2nd through 5th graders go through the stations with variations of the elements listed below:

Recreation

  1. Bible Story/Study – The children revisit the stories or do hands on activities that relate to the scripture(s) used in worship from the previous Sunday.
  2. Wee Kirk – The children learn different aspects about the church including First Presbyterian Church’s history, Presbyterian structure, and church structure. The teachers eagerly answer any question the children ask about church.
  3. Hymns & Liturgy – The teachers breakdown and simplify the hymns and liturgy for the upcoming Sunday’s worship to help the children appreciate and become familiar with it. Also this time is used to to directly work on parts of the order of worship that the children may be helping with for the upcoming Sunday.
  4. The Covenant Choirs participate in Sunday morning worship with introits, choral responses, and anthems at the Chapel Service or Sanctuary Service throughout the year. The choirs’ primary purpose is to equip children as both worshipers and worship leaders. The hymns and responses for worship are learned as part of the rehearsal. Younger children experience music from various traditions and languages and are exposed to Kindermusik, Orff, and Kodaly music concepts . Older children experience learning and growing through music, worship, and the arts through the RSCM Voice for Life program and the Alleluia Worship & Arts curriculum.
  5. Recreation - A portion of the evening evening is devoted solely to having fun through organized games and activities in Fellowship Hall as the children wait for their parents to pick them up.

All Kindergarten and 1st Graders begin with freeplay from after dinner until 6:30pm. They then join Ms. Celeste and Ms. Jane to learn Bible stories, create artwork, sing songs, and enjoy time together. This group joins the rest of the elementary children for Recreation. They enjoy playing organized games and activities in the Fellowship Hall while they wait for their parents to pick them up.