First Congregational Church of Westfield

Church School...................................................

First Congregational Church of Westfield offers a robust church school program that encourages children to learn and grow in their faith. A committed and hardworking team of professionals and volunteers provide a popular and ever growing and evolving church school experience to our youth.

Infants through 2 year olds
Our "Crib Room" is staffed every Sunday of the year by our dedicated paid professional care-givers. Parents of crib room aged children are also asked to assist on a rotating basis. Throughout the school year, a member of the Senior High School class is also assigned to assist in the Crib Room. There are always at least two adults present during service. The Crib Room provides parents of young children peace of mind and the ability to enjoy the worship service knowing their child is receiving excellent care.

3-Year Olds through Middle High School
Children attend service with their parents and are dismissed for Sunday School after the children's sermon entitled "The Word with Children." Our volunteer staff of church school teachers uses the Gather 'Round curriculum. The curriculum nurtures faith by engaging the imagination through the Bible, tradition, science, technology and the arts. On a weekly basis throughout the school year, children are treated to an enjoyable and meaningful experience in their church school classes. A variety of additional programs are planned throughout the year to keep the children involved and interested. Some of these programs include:

Music classes - children learn songs and hymns related to the curriculum. Under the direction of Assistant Music Director Joe Regan, the children also perform a special musical presentation during Children's Sunday in June and at the Advent Festival in December.
Christmas Eve pageant - children take part in a living Nativity during an early service held at 5pm on Christmas Eve.
Lenten Mission Project - children raise money through a "Fill the Ark" program and a very successful Cake Auction for the benefit of Heifer International.
Bibles - Third grade children receive Bibles during a special service in the fall of each year.
Confirmation - Ninth grade children attend additonal Confirmation classes with the Senior Minister throughout the year. Confirmation Sunday is held in May.

During June and July, Summer Sunday Stories, a one-room schoolhouse styled program is offered to school aged children. Church School does not meet during August.

Senior High School
Senior High School students remain in the service for the Bible reading and the sermon each Sunday. They then meet in Coe Fellowship with a Sunday School teacher to discuss the reading and sermon. This allows them to experience the worship service and also analyze, critique and apply the sermon to their everyday lives and experiences.

Vacation Bible School
Held for one week during the summer, and taught by a dedicated staff of volunteers, Vacation Bible School is a wonderful way for young children to stay in touch with their faith during the summer months. In 2005, coincidentally while major renovations were taking place in the church, the children entered the "Construction Zone," where they enjoyed an exciting week of songs, stories, theater, crafts and games all centered on learning more about Jesus' love. VBS 2006 found the children traveling around the world as they explored themes such as loyalty, bravery and truthfulness.

VBS for 2008 will be Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, from 6-8pm. Details to follow.

© Copyright 2006 First Congregational Church of Westfield, All rights reserved.
125 Elmer Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 | 908-233-2494 | e-mail: info@fccofwestfield.org
A Member of the United Church of Christ
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