Greetings in the name of the Lord! What a joy it is to serve in ministry with you! As we walk on this journey of faith together, we will begin sending out a monthly newsletter with ministry opportunities for Children and Families. Be on the lookout for ways to connect with one another! 
With joy,
Rev. Erin Morgan
Associate Pastor for Faith Formation
Vacation Bible School!
Thank you all for a fantastic week of VBS Living Waters for the World! We enjoyed learning, laughing, praising, playing, and singing together!
In response to learning about water insecurity in different parts of the world, our children collected money to donate to Living Waters of the World. Our children raised $306.91!
Summer Ministries
See what FPC Children are up to this Summer! These ministries may be nearing their end, but we sure have had fun so far!
Join us for our last Gospel According to Pixar movie night on July 20th at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall when we'll be watching Up!
Fall Ministries
Become an Acolyte! We'll be holding Acolyte training on Sunday, July 31st at 9:15am.
Specifically, as light bearers, acolytes symbolically bring the light of Christ into the worship service at the beginning of worship and at the end of worship take Christ’s light out into the world. This act frames all we do in our worship services, which is why the Acolyte Team is so special.
Children from 2nd grade to middle school are invited to join us and become an important part Worship!
After training, our new Acolytes will be commissioned as official participants in FPC's worship.
The commissioning will be held during worship on August 7th.
​Play Café: A Modern Twist on Mother's Morning Out
is a new ministry at FPC that gives parents both a loving, safe place to take their child a couple of days a week, and a place to connect with other parents about the joys and stressors of parenthood.
For children ages 3 months through 18 months
Twice a week you'll bring your little one to FPC and drop them off in the Play Café playroom to have a time of caring enrichment with their peers in a space that encourages children to create, explore and make decisions. Once you drop them off, you are invited to join us down the hall for a "Morning Out Meetup" where we will provide an opportunity for you to enjoy some grown-ups-only time! Connect with other parents over a variety of activities that you'll help pick out, while taking time to grow and reconnect with yourself in a supportive environment. At the end of the Play Café day, you'll pickup your little one, prepared to return to the beautifully busy life of raising a child.
General Sunday Practices
All children are always invited to wiggle and giggle in worship!
Included in worship is a time of "Wondering with God's Children" where children are invited to come forward for a message. Afterward, they are invited to remain in worship or go downstairs with the nursery workers for the remainder of service. 

Worship Bags are available for children and will be personalized for each child. Find them on the rack outside the Sanctuary in the Narthex.
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During Worship, we invite our children to look for our FPC Church Mice! Our Church Mice will teach us about worship each Sunday! 
​A nursery is available for children up 0 - 2nd grade. We do hope children will worship with us in the sanctuary! Wiggles and Giggles are so very welcome! 
Our nursery is a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for our youngest disciples. 
Childcare workers: Danielle Schubert and Kennedy Lynn
If you're little ones become regular visitors to Sunday School, Worship, or the Nursery, we ask that you fill out the Child Consent Form
Wondering Together Project
The Wondering Together Project (WTP) is a simple, short daily practice for households to connect, to hear a little bit about one another’s day, and to be held and loved in their sharing. 
How Does It Work?
Make Time
Carve out 10 minutes (it may take a little less … or a little more) each day. Gather in a place and a way that fits into your life (at a table, on a daily walk, getting ready for bed, driving to school). Try to use the same space and time of day once you find what works well for your family. Have the wondering questions printed.
Make Space
Set aside any “digital distractions” so that these ten minutes together are peaceful, and you can really listen to each other. Some families light a candle, dim the lights, or do something else to make this short time together feel special, but you don’t have to!
One family member asks the first question of your Wondering Together printed card. If it works, take turns leading the questions each day as it underscores the agency of each household member, especially the youngest.
Ask Each Other The Wondering Questions
1. “I wonder what part of today you liked the best?”
Some may have just a word or two to share while others may tell a short story. Just listen to one another. Everyone always has the right to pass.
2. “I wonder what part of today was the most important part?”
When everyone has answered the first question, the second one is asked. Allow everyone to answer with a phrase or a short story. 
3. “I wonder when you felt most alive today?”
Then go onto the third question. An alternate question for families with younger children might be “I wonder when you had the most energy today?”
4. “I wonder what part of today you would have liked to leave out?”
The fourth question may feel challenging for some. By ritually asking it, we normalize and model how to talk about the hard things we encounter each day.
5. “I wonder how you are feeling in this moment?” 
Ask the last question before ending the practice.
End In Gratitude
When all have finished answering the fifth question, close your Wondering Together time by thanking one another. You could bow to each other silently, high five each other, blow out a candle if you lit one, or share a hug. One family closed with a ceremonial “dab!” Whatever feels right for your family!
Questions/suggestions about children's ministry at FPC? Contact Pastor Erin or Elder Aubrey!
You have received this initial email because of past involvement in our Children's Ministry, including attendance in this year's VBS. If you would like to get additional monthly emails about our programs, please click the button below.