Christian Education

The Christian Education program of FPCGV encompasses all ages in opportunities throughout the weeks during the year. From Sunday School to mid week fellowship activities to special events, there is something for everyone.

Sunday mornings

• During the Sunday School hour, children ages 2 – kindergarten experience a traditional class with emphasis on experiencing the love of Christ and being exposed to the primary elements of Christian faith.
• Children in the 1st through 5th grades are part of a Workshop Rotation model, called “GIFT: Growing in Faith Together.” When children reach middle school age, they return to a traditional model class.
• Youth in 6th and 7th grade study the New Testament and Old Testament through somewhat detailed survey courses. The 8th grade year is spent preparing for Confirmation. During this time students review Old and New Testament, learn about church history from the beginnings of the church to the present day, emphasizing reform theology, and learn what it is to begin to walk the Christian walk on their own as they become full members in the congregation.
• The High School class encompasses 9th through 12th grade students who meet together as one group and study God’s word through the context of current events and their own life experiences. The focus is on discussion and reflection.
• Adults are offered a myriad of choices to approach the faith through Bible study, life application or current events discussion classes. Often there are guests who focus on a particular subject of current interest.
• During our worship services, care and educational opportunities continue for our infants through kindergarten. We have a nursery for nursery infants and toddlers. Two and three year olds learn about God, sing, and do crafts in Kid’s Korner. Four and five year olds have their very own worship service called Young Children and Worship.

Sunday afternoon and Mid-week

• Youth Fellowship activities are held on Sunday afternoons during the school year for youth in 6th trough 12th grade who meet in two groups, Middle School Youth Connection and Sr. High Youth Connection. Members participate in a variety of activities from learning to serving to playing.
• On Wednesday evenings during the school year children ages 4 by September 1 through 5th grade have the opportunity to attend Children’s Fellowships and Choirs in which they learn about their faith through both educational and play activities.

Special Educational Events

• In the spring a special class is held for children entering first grade: Worship Readiness. In this class the children are prepared to spend the entire worship hour in regular worship with their parents.
• FPCGV hosts Vacation Bible School for 5 days during the summer. These 5 days of fun, fellowship and learning are held at night which enables both children and adults to participate.
• First Presbyterian Church Day Camp is held for a week each August. It provides an opportunity for children ages 3 1/2 years old through entering the 4th grade a chance to spend time together enjoying a variety of age-appropriate activities. Daily activities include Bible study, arts & crafts, games, cooking, and various other projects. The Day Camp Staff consists of experienced First Presbyterian Church Preschool teachers, Grace Presbytery Summer Camp Counselors, and assistant Youth Counselors.
• Other one time educational events are held for adults periodically.