Children, Youth, and Families Updates

First Presbyterian Church

BAPTISM at FPC

“Obeying the word of our Lord Jesus, and confident of his promises, we baptize those whom God has called.”

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1)

Baptism at FPC: What Families Need to Know

We hear these words each time we baptize a child, one of the most joyful moments in the life of a congregation. In baptism we recognize what God has already done: loved and claimed this child. Baptism is also the child’s welcome into the community of faith, which is why baptisms take place in Sunday morning worship, except in extenuating circumstances.

How do I arrange for my child to be baptized?

The first step is choosing a date. Baptisms are held September through May at either the 8:30 am or the 11:00 am service. We usually celebrate one baptism at a time, on a Sunday when nothing else special is happening in worship. The easiest way to start is to reach out to me with a few possible dates or a general time frame, and we’ll work it out together.

Next, there’s one form to fill out to make it official: the baptism form.

The baptism usually takes place around the time of the Children’s Moment. I’ll be there with you, along with one of the congregation’s elders. If you’re close to an elder, I’m happy to ask them (they don’t need to be currently serving on Session), or you can leave the choice to me.

If any of this is unfamiliar, or if you have questions, please reach out. I’d love to talk with you about it!

The Rev. Dr. Anna Pinckney Straight

anna@firstpresnb.org

Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit's sign,

with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.

Child of joy, our dearest treasure, God's you are, from God you came.

Back to God we humbly give you: live as one who bears Christ's name.

Ronald S. Cole-Turner

SUNDAY MORNINGS at FPC

UPCOMING SALT & YOUTH GROUP

October 25 | 5:30 PM

Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

Learn how to make lasagna! After supper we'll learn how to prepare a full-meal casserole, bringing one home for our families and making another that will be served at RCS on Monday evening by one of our FPC outreach teams.

November 1 | 5:30 PM

SALT (Grades 3-5) & Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

Guest leaders! We will be welcoming back Bill & Fossie Lathan, Jim & Phoebe Briley, and Tommy Hall for a guest appearance as our leaders on this Sunday evening. Will Tommy Hall bring his guitar? What stories will they have to tell? What will we want to teach them?

November 8 | 5:30 PM

Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

SMORGASBORD! Strength/Gratitude/The Spiritual Life/Plans for the Future/Bible Trivia Prep/More! How much can we fit into two hours?

November 15 | 5:30 PM

SALT (Grades 3-5) & Youth Group (Grades 6-12)

We're hosting Christ Church's Youth Group for a Tie-Dye Workshop led by Sasha Prince, followed by a Bible Trivia Contest. Who will take home the trophy? T-shirts are provided, and we'll pull sizes from the Youth Form. If you haven't filled it out yet, click HERE or use the link below.

November 22 - NO SALT or YOUTH GROUP THIS EVENING

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

October 25: Women's Circle Bible Study (9:40-10:40 am)

Join us for this monthly gathering of women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

November 11: Fellowship Dinner

Join us for November’s Fellowship Dinner at 5:30 pm in the J. Murphy Smith Center. Please sign up through SignUpGenius!

November 29: Youth Group

Packing exam care packages for College Students

December 6: SALT & Youth Group

High Schoolers: Needlepoint Class led by Laura Norment (we'll need an RSVP to order kits. Sign up HERE!
Middle Schoolers: GROG!

December 13: Youth Group

Trent Woods Holiday Fun at the home of Bill & Fossie Lathan

December 18: Carols and Candlelight

December 20: SALT & Youth Group

Star Night Christmas Party on the FPC Campus

December 24: Family Christmas Eve Service 4:00 pm

December 27: NO SALT & Youth Group

January 3: NO SALT & Youth Group

January 10: Salt & Youth Group

Start Planning for Youth Sunday!

February 7: Youth Sunday

Wednesdays April 7 - May 12: TBall Season!

***Confirmation & Sacraments***

The new year is when we typically have Confirmation Classes and a Sacraments Class. We're looking at the new year and working on setting that schedule. If you know that you are interested or would like to learn more about either or both of these, please reach out!

CYFM Fall Calendar

Youth Information Form

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY SEARCH

This past week, the Personnel Committee began the search for a new Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. The first step is forming a team to discern what we need, what we hope for, and how God is calling us into a faithful future through this position. As that work unfolds, we will share information as it becomes available, and we welcome your input, suggestions, and support.

We are also open to hiring interim leadership so that the search can take the time it needs to find the person(s) God is calling. If you know someone who might want to serve in this ministry for a short season, ideally beginning in February 2027, please get in touch with me (anna@firstpresnb.org)

JOIN IN THE FUN: VOLUNTEER!

Help create meaningful experiences for our children and youth! There are many ways to share your time and gifts with our youngest members. Click the buttons below to let us know where you feel called to serve. And...thank you in advance for being a partner in making faith formation a central part of your child's life!

PreK-2nd Grade Faith Formation

3rd-7th Grade Faith Formation

SALT and Youth Group Leadership/Meals

Sunday Morning Nursery Support

THE YOUTH GROUP BENEDICTION

Holy One, go with us,

wherever you may lead us.

Guide us through the wilderness,

protect us through the storm.

Bring us home, rejoicing,

at the wonders you have shown us.

Bring us home, rejoicing,