Welcome to Children’s Ministry at
First Presbyterian Church!
If you want to know more about the Director of Children's Ministries position, please see the description at the bottom of this page.
The goal of our educational and fellowship programs is to help build a foundation for a lifetime of faith and Christian growth to the end that our children will know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Our curriculum provides Bible stories, scripture studies and experiential learning activities along with practical ways for children to see the love of God and to share their faith in daily life.
Sunday Mornings
Childcare is available for both the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services for infants – Kindergarten children. Our loving staff of childcare workers prepare Bible stories, crafts and games for 2 years olds – Kindergarten.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Individual Sunday School classes are offered for each age and grade from 2 years – 5th grade.
Two’s – Pre-K have music time each week in addition to their class room activities.
Prior to class time on the 1st Sunday of each month, Kindergarten – 5th grade meet in the Chapel to sing, hear about upcoming mission projects, monthly announcements and birthday celebrations.
11:00 a.m.
We plan for, welcome and encourage children to participate in worship as well as fellowship and service projects of the church.
Acolytes
Fourth, fifth and sixth graders may choose to serve as Acolytes for the 11:00 service. These young worship leaders bring the “light of Christ” into the service and then at the end of the service, lead the worshippers out into the world to serve Christ throughout the week to come.
Children’s Message
During the service, an interactive Children’s Message is presented for all children 4 years – 5th grade.
Bridges to Worship
Bridges takes place immediately following the Children’s Message for all 1st & 2nd graders. The purpose of the program is to help children understand praise and worship and what happens in our worship service so that they can more fully participate.
Children’s Choirs
King’s Company
Ages: Kindergarten and 1st graders
Both classes are escorted by their Sunday School teachers to the Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Parents pick up their children at 10:50 a.m.
King’s Company sings in worship approximately every 6 weeks.
Gabriel’s Gang
Ages: 2nd – 5th graders
All 2nd – 5th graders are invited to attend this choir/fellowship program which meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In addition to singing, the children share devotions, service projects, crafts, movies, games and snacks.
Gabriel’s Gang sings in worship approximately every 6 weeks.
“PresKids”
“PresKids” is a family ministry for all 2 year olds – 5th graders and their families. Meeting quarterly, families gather for an afternoon or evening of fun and fellowship. Events have included Fall Hayrides, pumpkin carving, ice skating, intergenerational meals, riding miniature trains, swim parties, family Olympics, cook-outs and movie nights.
A fun time is had by ALL!
Special Events for Children include:
*Presentation of Third Grade Bibles each August
*Children’s Sunday in which the children lead the congregation in the 11:00
worship service.
*Baptism Boxes are presented to all children at their baptism.
*Thanksgiving Food Drive for the entire congregation with the 4th & 5th
graders delivering the food to local charities.
*Children and the Sacraments Class is for all 1st – 5th graders (and their
parents) preparing to take Communion
*Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse and sponsored
by the children of the church to share with children around the world.
*Advent Craft Festival – takes place on the first Sunday of December for all
ages to celebrate the Advent season.
*Children’s Christmas Sunday is led by the children sharing the Christmas
story in drama and song.
“Summer Fun Days” are for pre-school and elementary children to celebrate
summer and fellowship together.
Children are a very important part of the life of this congregation.
We give thanks for their lives and celebrate their journey of faith!
For more information about our children’s program, please feel free to contact the church office at 405-321-0933.
Job Description
Director of Children’s Ministry –
Full time position, First Presbyterian Church, Norman, OK
PURPOSE:
To provide leadership for children’s educational ministry, including oversight of the children’s programs from two year-olds to fifth grade.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Accountable to the pastor as head of staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work as a colleague with the pastor and associate pastors for adults and youth in providing spiritual leadership for the congregation.
• Provide staff support for the Children’s Ministry Team and assist the committee in its oversight of children’s educational ministry, including teacher recruitment and training, as well as curriculum assessment.
• Develop and resource children’s programs that are integrated into the life of the congregation and are led by members of the congregation.
• Build personal relationships with the children and families of the congregation.
• Seek to increase the participation of all ages in the children’s ministries of the church.
• Work with the Children’s Ministry Team to develop short and long term goals for educational ministry and to ensure continuity between programs.
• Share in the leadership of worship, particularly as it relates to children.
• Provide oversight for the nursery, and assistance to the director of childcare as needed.
RELATIONSHIPS:
• Works closely with the Session and the pastor as head of staff.
• Provides leadership to the Children’s Ministry Team.
• Supports all who are serving in children’s ministries, and ministries throughout the church.
• Relates to the rest of the staff as a member of the team.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Holds a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Christian education.
• An ability to relate to children and youth, as well as adults.
• A commitment to shared leadership and team ministry.
• A sense of call to educational ministry and to the service of Christ in this congregation.
EVALUATION:
The Personnel Committee in consultation with the pastor as head of staff will conduct an annual performance and salary review. The committee will make recommendations to Session.
COMPENSATION:
Competitive salary will be offered. Compensation package will be based on experience and education. Hiring contingent on background check.
