Child Protection Policy

In order to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all children and youth, First Presbyterian Church adopted a Child Protection Policy in January, 2001. All paid church staff and all volunteers who work with children or youth are screened and asked to read and sign a "Code of Conduct." A policy brochure is available by contacting the church office (563-326-1691).

Child Care: Little Saints and Angels – birth through age 4

Nursery and child care services are available from 8:45 AM until 12:15 PM each Sunday and for special services. The Christian education aspect of the nursery accommodates different ages and developmental levels. Sign-in and sign-out procedures are required of parents to ensure child safety, and a beeper is given to the parent so he/she can be reached while in the building. The Nursery is located on the third floor of the Christian Education building. For more information, contact the Rev. Pamela J. Hoogheem at hoogheem@fpcdavenport.org

Children’s Worship and Wonder: 4 year-olds through 4th Grade

Worship and Wonder meets throughout the program year (Sept.-May) in the Chapel on Sunday mornings. Children begin their worship in the Sanctuary and then go to the Worship Center during the 9:00 AM service.

In Worship & Wonder children have the opportunity to hear Bible stories and form responses out of their own life experiences. They learn the meaning of church traditions and participate in worship practices.

This particular approach to creating sacred space for children to explore their faith is influenced by the Montessori ideals of a one-room learning center. The approach is often effective with children who have attention deficit problems, autism, and learning disabilities.

Characteristics of Worship and Wonder:

1. Respect of Children. This program recognizes children as spiritual beings who already have a relationship with God. In Worship & Wonder children are not seen as empty vessels for us (adults) to fill with our understanding of God. Adults are guides who offer space, tools, and language which help children deepen their already existing relationship with God. In Worship & Wonder we trust, that given the opportunity, children will bring their own life experiences to the stories of God and will receive what they need.

2. Encouragement of Imagination. There is not enough time and space in today’s world for children to use their wonderful imaginations. Television, videos, computer games rarely encourage children to call upon their own creative possibilities. There are too few places for children to learn about the gifts of quiet and solitude. Churches are uniquely equipped to offer these gifts.

3. Developmentally Appropriate. Worship & Wonder allows children to use all of their senses and motor skills. It includes repetition and ritual which children love and helps them to incorporate the liturgy and their learnings into their everyday life.

4. Children Learn about God while Being in God’s Presence. Worship & Wonder is worship—the focus of the time is upon God’s presence, biblical stories, and responding to God. It is a chance for adults and children to worship together in a way that is meaningful for everyone.

Preschool Sunday School: Sunday 10:20-10:50 AM

Christian education for children who are age 3 through Preschool. Because class meets after Cherub Choir rehearsal, a Teacher and/or Shepherd escorts the class from the choir room to their classroom on the third floor of the Christian education building. Children participate in constructive play, artistic expression, and active learning as they engage the Bible story.

K-7th Grade: The Promise Land: Hearing God’s Promises Today

The Workshop Rotation Model Sunday School

The Promise Land meets September through May of the program year. The heart of Christian education is passing on the stories of God’s promises to the children and youth in our congregation. Through the ministry of Teachers and Shepherds, the participants hear the promises of God’s love for each of them, the good news of Jesus’ salvation, and the nurture of the Holy Spirit. When adults volunteer to be with the children and youth in this program, they are fulfilling the vows the congregation made when the children were baptized.

Based on the multiple intelligence theory, the program assumes that, instead of having one intelligence measured with a numerical I.Q., people possess at least seven distinct kinds of intelligence or ways of knowing and learning in different degrees. These different ways of knowing are apparent in the variety of ways Jesus taught his followers.

These different ways of learning which guide the Rotation Model are:

1. Linguistic/verbal 2. Logical/mathematical 3. Visual/spacial

4. Musical/rhythmic 5. Body /kinesthetic 6. Introspective 7. Interpersonal

How the Rotation Model Works: Children rotate to a different station each Sunday within a four- to six-week unit. These stations relate to one or more of the ways of knowing. Introspective and interpersonal intelligence's correspond to two crucial Christian disciplines: reflection and relationship making. These are interwoven throughout all the weeks of the unit as the children relate to each other and reflect on their spiritual journey each week. Each of these rooms, and the learning that takes place in them, reflects the goals of the curriculum:

• Trusting and believing in God's grace • Experiencing the fruits of faith

• Integrating faith and life • Seeking spiritual growth
• Nurturing faith in community • Holding life-affirming values

• Being advocates for social change • Acting and serving to display
God's love

Youth and Young Adult Ministries

The youth of First Presbyterian Church (grade 6-12) have regular Sunday morning classes during the 10:00 AM education hour throughout the program year (Sept-May).

Confirmation I - Open to students in the 8th grade and High School students who have not yet taken Confirmation I. Class meets from 10:05 AM - 10:55 AM in the Fireplace Room each Sunday morning. Taught by a team of teachers, the class explores Professing Our Faith, a curriculum of the PC (USA). The scope and sequence of Professing Our Faith echoes the emphases of the Study Catechism (Confirmation Version) by presenting the biblical foundations and theology of the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. Additionally, it invites young people to explore the meaning of their baptism and their participation at the Lord's Supper, as well as to learn about church polity, stewardship, spiritual practices, worship and mission.

Confirmation II - Class meets from 10:10 AM - 11:10 AM in the Fireplace Room each Sunday morning. The Confirmation II class gives the youth of First Church the opportunity to study in depth the Presbyterian Church: its history, theology, style of worship and mission. The students are asked to participate the nine marks of membership throughout the year. They journal about Bible studies and readings, experience mission and church governance experiences, join together for a retreat with the whole group, and visit other houses of worship. The youth are welcomed into church membership at the Confirmation Commissioning service of worship in early May.

High School Sunday School (HSSS)

HSSS meets upstairs in room 317 (also known as “the ugly couch room”). The year includes a variety of experiences for youth to engage God’s Word and world. A team of teachers uses discussion-based sessions to engage biblical study and spiritual formation.

For more information regarding these ministries at First Presbyterian Church, contact the Rev. Pamela J. Hoogheem at hoogheem@fpcdavenport.org or by phone at 563-383-0657, ext.209.