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Children's Ministry Coordinator
Megan Humphreys-Loving
503/228-3195 ext. 227
Nursery Care
Our professionally staffed nursery is open to families and their children two years and under from 9:15 am to noon each Sunday. The nursery has changing tables, rocking chairs and age appropriate toys for babies through toddlers. With the aid of Youth Assistants, our nursery maintains a very low adult/child ratio. A number system alerts parents in the sanctuary if there is ever a need to return to the nursery during worship.
The nursery is also available for fellowship groups and committee meetings. Two care givers must be present. The nursery can be available for all ages for such meetings. Fellowship activities are asked to make a donation toward the cost of the nursery for such events.
Sunday School
Classes for children are held each Sunday morning from 10:45 am to 11:30 am. Classes range from two-year-olds through sixth grade. Two adult volunteer teachers staff each classroom.
Children leave the 10:30 am worship service after the Children's Story Time. Children can be met in the classrooms when service is completed.
Teachers teach in teams of six vollunteers and rotate throughout the year. This system allows our excellent teachers to spend time in worship on months they are not teaching.
During the summer months, three classes are offered for children: age three through those having completed kindergarten, those who have completed first grade through third grade, and fourth through sixth grade.
Sunday at 9:15 am Children's Time
While the adult Sunday School classes meet from 9:15 am to 10:15 am, children are invited to participate in the following age-appropriate activities:
- Cherub Choir (ages 4 through second grade): A young children's choir that practices each Sunday and performs in various worship services throughout the year.
- Sound Seekers (third grade through sixth grade) A choir for older children that rehearses each Sunday and performs in various worship services throughout the year.
Family Ministries
There are activities and classes that focus on parents as their children grow from infants to youth. These may include everything from lists of potential babysitters to Bully Response Training workshops. Two groups currently sponsored by Family Ministries are:
- Family of Friends, a group of adults that provide family mentoring of six to eight year olds. Participants are required to participate in training of the entire family as well as a one-year commitment to the child.
- Stand for Children, a political action group that focuses attention on children in the Portland area and provides appropriate developmental tools for children and their families. Individuals are encouraged to join the First Church Team of Stand for Children.
- Family Date Night This is a night out on the town with your children and church family. Outings will include plays children's concerts, child friendly restaurants, and activities. Registration required. Appropriate age range will be listed for each activity. Scholarships will be available.
- Family Fun Night A night at home, the 4th Friday, of each month. This is a night to connect as a family. Board games, cards, cooking and imaginative play are wonderful options for this evening. A movie watched with the entire family, without the intrusion of an electronic device, could be a choice as well. The idea is to focus on family togetherness and developing connectivity amidst our busy lives.
- Community Service Each month families will be invited to participate in a community service project that benefits child related causes. Projects such as school supply drive, giving tree, valentines for seniors will provide children with the opportunity to develop a spirit of giving and learn compassion for others.
Sunday School Teachers
All Sunday School programs are staffed by volunteer teachers. All teachers complete a Volunteer Disclosure form and are subject to random background checks. They are also required to take one safety class.
Adults, youth, parents and grandparents are always needed to assist in educating our children. If you are interested in a one-time experience during the summer months or being a part of teaching time in the fall, please contact Children and Family Ministries.
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