Christian Education - FCC Bristol

INFANTS & TODDLERS

During the service they feel God’s love. Our nursery caregiver, Sue Krolikowski, is a paid member of our staff. With the assistance of church members, she weekly provides care for our infants and toddlers.
In accordance with our Safe Church guidelines, parents leaving a child in the crib nursery receive a pager. If your child needs you, Sue or another crib nursery caregiver will notify you by activating the silent vibrating pager. Children will be returned to the adult with the matching pager. Please make sure to leave a diaper bag and instructions about any allergies or concerns your child might have. There are Children’s Ministry registration forms in the Crib Nursery to write down information that it would be helpful for Sue and the Crib Nursery caregivers to have. (Children’s MinistryRegistration Form -pdf)
We have done our upmost to make sure our Crib Nursery is a place parents feel comfortable leaving their child however children of all ages are welcome in worship. Parents may also stay with their child in the Crib Nursery to help acclimate them. The Crib Nursery also has a changing table and rocking chair for nursing.

PRE-SCHOOL THROUGH 8TH GRADE CHILDREN

Our Sunday morning Childre th grade with a place where:
- Children can experience God’s joy and explore their relationship with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture lives and children are invited to enter into the Bible stories.
- Children practice our faith through prayer, music, service, and community building.
- Children are encouraged to ask questions about God and not always get an answer or an easy answer, but are allowed to encounter the mystery that is God and have their
imagination, wonder, and faith nurtured.
Other churches call this time “Church School” and the adults who work with our children “Church School Teachers”. We confess that we still often do however we also realize that we are not trying to “teach” our children as much as we are inviting them to share what they believe and be nurtured by the faith and joy of the adults who “guide” them on this journey of faith.
Our adult “Faith Guides” are not experts in the Christian faith. They are dedicated Christians who choose to share their gifts and their joy with our children. Since our Children’s Ministry is cooperative, we expect each parent to share their gifts. Adults may volunteer as Faith Guides and build deeper relationships with a group of children or volunteer on a weekly basis and provide an extra pair of hands and listening ears.
Each week, our children are invited to make a Bible story their own by acting it out, creating a craft, playing games, or even cooking. Our children also have the opportunity to pray together as they bless their snack. Our Children’s Ministry also follows our Safe Church Guidelines. We ask all parents whose children are involved in Children’s Ministry to fill out a Children’s Ministry registration form to inform us of allergies or other health and behavioral needs. (Children’s MinistryRegistration Form -pdf)

CONFIRMATION CLASS (for High School Students)

In the sacrament of baptism, parents and a church congregation promise to nurture a child in the way of Jesus Christ until they can make the commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ themselves. In the Rite of Confirmation, our high school students are invited to proclaim themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. Building upon the Christian nurture youth have received in their own families and through our Children’s Ministry, high school youth are invited to attend Confirmation classes to fully explore what it means to make the adult decision to follow Jesus.

YOUTH GROUP (for 6th grade through 12th grade)

Youth Group is an opportunity for middle school and high school youth to gather for dinner and community building. Our purpose with youth group is to build strong Christian relationships through games and discussions. There are times when all of the grades gather together and other opportunities for us to gather in small groups.

There are multiple opportunities for adults to nurture their Christian faith journeys and connect more deeply with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. On Tuesday mornings from 7:30-8:30am, an adult Bible study group meets to explore a passage of scripture in more detail. We read our passage and explore different questions and themes that come up. There is no homework for this class nor is anyone expected to be an expert. This time is a safe space to wonder and try to connect God’s word more deeply to our own lives. On the second Sunday of each month, Men’s Fellowship gathers for fellowship, learning, and service. Men of all ages are invited to come together for breakfast, prayer, and sharing of their lives and faith. Women’s Guild meets monthly during October, November, December, April, May, and June. Gatherings include either lunch or dessert, a time to connect with new and old friends, and a time of learning. Our topics are very interesting and quite diverse. Throughout the year, we also participate in service projects. Our annual Women’s Retreat is another opportunity for women of all ages to gather for a weekend away. This is always a wonderful time to rest and connect with God, nature, and other women. Throughout the year, there are additional opportunities for adults to come together for laughter, food, and fellowship as well as opportunities to learn more about our Christian faith. Intergenerational Fellowship
One of the many blessings of a vital Christian community is that all ages can come together and be connected in Christ’s love. Each week after worship, the Fellowship committee provides coffee, tea, juice, refreshments and a welcoming space to connect with others. In September, our annual Rally Day worship service gives all the opportunity to worship and share communion together. Following Rally Day worship, there is a picnic. Children and adults enjoy the bounce house and participating in our annual all-ages kickball game. Harvest Brunch in the fall invites all to share in the bounty of a delicious meal. Star Gifts worship, after Epiphany (Jan 6th), is an opportunity for all people to come forward in worship and pick a paper star with a spiritual gift word on it. We choose to see these words as God’s call for the new year. Star Gifts worship always includes a time for people to share how they were led by their star gift in the previous year. There is always much discussion at Fellowship time after worship about what each person’s new star is. Our Children’s Ministry leads worship once every year. After sharing in this wonderful, inspiring and meaningful worship, the whole community is invited to share a meal. Every year, as our community grows and more people share their gifts and passions, the First Congregational Church community has new and exciting opportunities for people of all ages to learn and grow in faith and relationship. Please see the Messenger and church calendar for information about new events.