The Children’s Christian Education programs provide the context where questioning curiosity,
biblical learning, and faith formation coincide. In Sunday School, Confirmation, and Vacation Bible Camp our children and youth
experience the love and nurture of a Christian community. We teach the stories of scripture, Church traditions, and how to practice our
faith in daily life. CCE provides a time and place for children and youth to make a personal
connection with God and to be mentored by adults who are personally committed
to making a difference in their lives.
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).
Nursery and child care services are available from 8:15 AM until 11:15 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
• Nurturing faith in community • Holding life-affirming values
• Being advocates for social change • Acting and serving to display
God's love
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.
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Christian Education Registration: Meet & Greet @ First Fest
All children and youth in Preschool through Confirmation and their parents are
asked to gather in the West Lawn at 10:05 AM for First Fest. Parents will have the opportunity to register their child(ren) for the program
year, and the children will decorate their name tags with the assistance of
their Shepherds. The Children’s Christian Education Committee will present information on this year’s units and each station in the rotation model. Come and learn about what’s happening in the Promise Land, ask questions, and get to know the members of
your CCE committee. Take this opportunity to review the church’s Child Protection Policy, too.
Children’s Worship & Wonder: September 12 and September 26
Worship & Wonder begins this church program year with two weeks of introduction to the
liturgy. We will be dismissed with a blessing from the sanctuary and proceed to
the Worship Center (3rd floor of CCE Building). We will become familiar with the rhythm of the liturgy, how we move and speak in
the Worship Center, and that “in this place we have all the time we need.” Children’s Worship is especially for children ages four- fourth grade; parents are
encouraged to worship with their children and experience first-hand this
approach to worship. For parents who remain in the sanctuary, please come and escort your child(ren)
to the Promise Land or Cherub Choir at 10:00 AM. If you would like more information about this ministry, please contact
Pastor Pamela.
Preschool Promise Land Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in Preschool Sunday School?
Children ages 3, 4, and 5 year olds not yet in Kindergarten.
Children ages 3, 4, and 5 year olds not yet in Kindergarten.
When does class meet?
After Cherub Choir rehearsal, at 10:20 AM. Teachers and Shepherds will accompany the children from choir to their classroom; parents are welcome to come along for the journey, too. Their room is the last room on the right at the end of the hall in the Promise Land.
After Cherub Choir rehearsal, at 10:20 AM. Teachers and Shepherds will accompany the children from choir to their classroom; parents are welcome to come along for the journey, too. Their room is the last room on the right at the end of the hall in the Promise Land.
What curriculum is used?
We use SPARK curriculum especially designed for Preschool learners. Our little ones will hear stories about God’s creation, Moses and the Ten Commandments, Samuel, and Isaiah—most importantly, our children will hear about God’s love for them! The curriculum aims to build foundations to help young children learn about God’s love through telling and exploring Bible stories together.
We use SPARK curriculum especially designed for Preschool learners. Our little ones will hear stories about God’s creation, Moses and the Ten Commandments, Samuel, and Isaiah—most importantly, our children will hear about God’s love for them! The curriculum aims to build foundations to help young children learn about God’s love through telling and exploring Bible stories together.
Confirmation Information
Please join us on September 12 at the Confirmation booth to meet the
Confirmation I and II teachers. On Sunday, September 19 at 10:15 am there will be a parent meeting in the
Fireplace Room classrooms (on the third floor of the education building). The parent meeting will outline your responsibilities as a confirmation parent – you are an important part of your child’s confirmation experience!
High School Sunday School: A Place to Belong
High School Sunday School will start on Sunday, September 19th at 10:05 AM
upstairs in room 317. This year will include a variety of experiences for you to make HSSS something
that you love to be a part of every week. Topics include current events, biblical books, and spirituality; teachers are
Andrew Hoogheem, and Pete Rink.
Copyright © 2010 First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, Iowa. All Rights Reserved.
