Youth and Family Ministries

Nursery

In the Nursery, paid staff and volunteers work together to provide a safe and fun environment for our littlest members. Two nursery rooms - one for infants and one for toddlers - are connected for easy caregiver access. Enforced safety policies help keep the area secure, and vibrating beepers assure parents that they can be reached immediately if a special need arises.

10:00 a.m. Summer Sunday School
- May 18 - August 31, 2008

Children ages 3 through entering 6th grade will be dismissed to a "one-room" Sunday School concept during the service.

10:00 a.m. Sunday School
- Sepember 7, 2008 - May 24, 2009

During the 10:00 a.m. service, elementary-age kids join their parents for the beginning of worship, enjoy a brief children's sermon, and are excused to their classrooms. Our Sunday School uses a hands-on curriculum that teaches biblical truths in ways that kids can grasp with their hearts as well as their hands.

Pilgrim Fellowship for Teens

Teens gather on Sunday evenings for Junior and Senior Pilgrim Fellowship, our youth groups. The teens themselves help lead the program by serving as officers. They organize their own events, handle their own finances, and enforce their own discipline. PF is not just a place to learn about Christianity, but to test it and try it in the real world. Ninth graders are eligible to join Covenant Class, our two-year confirmation program.

PF (Pilgrim Fellowship)
Jr. PF meets Sundays at 5 p.m. in room 302.
A joint meeting of Jr. and Sr. PF meets at 6 p.m. in room 302.
Sr. PF meets Sundays at 7 p.m. in room 302.

Covenant Class

You may be more familiar with the term "confirmation class." In Congregationalism, we study to "own the covenant." In our youth programs, Covenant Class is offered for 9th & 10th graders as a two-year study program in preparation for full church membership. Students survey the Bible, major Christian doctrine, the history of the Christian church and Congregationalism. In addition, students experience a variety of worship styles and participate in numerous service and outreach opportunities. Before joining the church (or owning the covenant) in spring, these students write their profession of faith.

Family Ministries

We also hold a number of occasional events for families through the course of the year. Family Camp (August 22-24, 2008) brings church families together for a weekend during August. The Christmas Workshop kicks off the Christmas season for everyone, from 3 year olds to grandparents. An Ice Cream Social is held in in the spring. We also have a Pig Roast in June, and a Christmas Dinner in December. As you may have guessed, we love families and food here at First Church 'Tosa.

Drive-In Movie
On July 25, 2008, at 6 p.m., join us in Friendship Lounge for a family film. Bring your blankets and pjs as we relax in front of a large screen and watch the latest in family-friendly films. Enjoy pizza, popcorn and lemonade at a cost of $3 per person. So that we're sure to have enough food, please sign up at the church office. This month's movie is yet to be determined. There are four contenders in the ring. Will we follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz, or will the lounge be alive with the Sound of Music? Will the ingenious Swiss Family Robinson survive the storm, or will it be the practically perfect Mary Poppins? E-mail Rob at brinkr@firstchurchtosa.org with your vote. The winner will be announced Sunday mornig, July 20.

Family Camp
Join other FCC families as we celebrate summer's best through fellowship and loads of fun...swimming, canoeing, hiking, fishing, singing, laughing and worship. Accommodations are in the "Ridgewood" lodges with private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, common living room with fireplace and kitchenette. Meals are served family-style in the dining hall. Arrive at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22. Depart at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 24. Package rate is based on two nights and five meals. Cost: Adults (over 13) $115; Youth (13 and under) $70; under 2 - no charge; Family Package maximum - $425. Call the church office at 414-258-7375 and we'll be happy to send you a registration form.

Music Ministries

Children may also explore their musical gifts in the Cherub Choir for kids who are age three through first grade. The Junior Choir is for children in second through eighth grade. Our children and youth choirs sing periodically throughout the year in worship.