Children's and Family Ministry

We believe that we are all God's beloved children, and so take seriously the important ministry that children and families offer in the life of our community. Mindful of the promises made at Baptism, we offer education, worship, fellowship, play and service opportunities for our children to be nurtured in faith. In all that we say and do, we want all of our children to know God's love for them, to ask questions, to use their imaginations, and to explore with joy their identity as children of God. Activities for children and families include weekly Sunday School, children's choir, regular fellowship gatherings, mission activities, annual events and special holiday-themed activities.

If you have questions or want information about children's activities at First Presbyterian, please contact our Director of Children & Family Ministry, Lynace Veit, at lynace@fpcshreveport.org or 318-222-0604.

We have several forms if your child will be in our care. Please download, print and fill out, then bring back to church with you. The forms are: Church School Information Form, Medical Authorization Form, Nursery Child Profile Form and the Photo Release Form.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES 9:30-10:30AM

INFANTS AND NURSERY 

Infants CE 106 • Walkers CE 108 • Age 2 CE 103
Nursery care for infants through two years is provided each Sunday morning 9:30am-12pm in our Christian Education building adjacent to the church. Trained childcare workers are present to provide a loving and safe environment for your child. We also regularly provide nursery care for special services, fellowship events, educational offerings and meetings held at the church. If you are not sure whether nursery care is offered for your event, please call the church office to inquire. We request reservations for the nursery 48 hours in advance for special events.

PRESCHOOL

Ages 3-5 years CE 204
Sunday school classes for children ages three to kindergarten are offered each week from 9:30 AM-10:30 AM in the Christian Education building adjacent to the church. Guided by curriculum of the PC(USA), children are invited to begin learning the stories of our faith through age-appropriate Scripture lessons, crafts, activities and music. Led by faithful members of our congregation, this is a place for children to search their imaginations and grow in God's love.

Following the "Children's Time" portion of our worship service, ages two through seven can leave to participate in Extended Session and Worship Center. Led by congregation members, Extended Session is an opportunity for two and three year-olds to continue learning the lessons of our faith through crafts, play, media and story-telling. Worship Center is a distinctive time to gather and learn more about worship. Specially trained teachers lead this Montessori-based program that emphasizes quiet, wonder and reflection. 

ELEMENTARY

Grades 1-5 • Crosswalk Upstairs CE building
Elementary-aged children participate in Crosswalk, a rotation model program that focuses on a well-defined theme, Bible story, or narrative over a period of several weeks, and is taught in a variety of ways. Each class rotates through a series of workshops during the weeks of the lesson, each one focusing on a different aspect of learning the story. Drama, cooking, science, media, story-telling and arts all facilitate the faith exploration of children in this program. The uniquely designed Crosswalk classrooms are located in our Christian Education building and meets Sunday mornings at 9:30am. 

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS DURING WORSHIP 10:45-11:45AM 

Nursery: Infants & Walkers CE 106
Young Children Ages 2-3: Extended Session CE 103
Children Age 4-1st Grade: Worship Center in Main Building 322
Children are always welcome in worship! Age appropriate worship bags are available at all sanctuary entrances. Participation for preschool-age during the main worship service is dependent on maturity level and family preference.

CLUB 345

During the school year we have a special fellowship group for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders called Club 345! We meet on one Sunday evening each month at 5:00pm in the gym. Dinner is included and activities are planned for fellowship, games and even service projects! Check the calendar for the next Club 345 gathering.

SUMMER CAMP AT FERNCLIFF

During the summer, you can send your children ages 1st-5th grade to summer camp at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. Ferncliff is located about 10 miles west of Little Rock, Arkansas. Sessions are offered weekly and activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, large group games, sand volleyball, mountain biking, mountain boarding, crafts, large group worship, small group Bible study, games, orienteering, campfires and special events. Information about the summer camp plans will be available on our website previous to each year's camp session.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Each summer, Vacation Bible School is part of a collaborative program put on by First Presbyterian with several other local Presbyterian churches. The theme will be announced in the spring, along with details about how to register your child(ren).

Youth Ministry

GETTING CONNECTED

The Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church is committed to bringing both middle and high school students into a welcoming and authentic environment that allows students to be themselves, ask tough questions, and discover together what life in the Body of Christ is all about. We believe that young people aren’t merely “the Church of tomorrow”, but that their voice and passion aid us in fulfilling God’s vision for the Church here and now. In practicing fellowship, worship, discipleship and mission we experience what it really means to be followers of Christ.

We offer many opportunities for both Middle and High School aged students in which they can get involved. Activities for youth include weekly Sunday School, Youth Group on Sunday evenings, Youth Choir and Bells, Senior High Breakfast, Retreats, Summer Trips, Mission Activities, Lock-ins, and special holiday-themed activities. Please contact the church office for more information or if you have any questions regarding youth events, or to receive youth emails and text blasts. You may also visit the church CALENDAR for a complete list of events and details at First Presbyterian, Shreveport. 

YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30-10:30AM

Middle Schoolers Grades 6-8 & High Schoolers Grades 9-12
3rd Floor Main Building

YOUTH GROUP

All Grades 6-12 • 6-8pm Sundays

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Once a year we go through Confirmation with a group of our Youth. For more information about the next confirmation class, contact the church office at 318-222-0604.