Overview
Children’s Sunday School is a primary focus of our children’s program. We use a Workshop Rotation Model that enhances learning and allows teachers to focus on their unique gifts (see below). We also know that children learn best from example and are great helpers. At TPC, the Elementary Ministry participates in many church activities: planting in the garden and recycling items (Earth Care Ministry), collecting change for a cause (Stewardship), recycling clothes and toys (Big Blue Bin), singing during worship (Praise Kids), buying gifts for less fortunate kids (Christmas Giving Tree), Blessing of the Pets, and celebration of the seasons of the Church year from Advent to Pentecost.
Weekly Activities
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We offer Sunday School each week from 9:45–10:45 am in the Children’s Hallway.
Children in Kindergarten through 4th grade will explore Bible stories through Growing in God’s Love, a relationally focused curriculum published by PCUSA. During our time together children will read and hear a story of God’s people from Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible, pause to wonder and reflect on the story, and learn to bless one another and their communities with God’s love and grace.
Fifth graders connect with God’s big story through videos, Bible exploration, and hands-on projects during their Sunday school class designed to engage preteens.
A TIME FOR YOUNG DISCIPLES
During worship services, preschool and elementary-age children enjoy Time with Young Disciples. During this time, the children come forward for an age-appropriate introduction to the worship theme of the day.
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
During both worship services, Children’s Chapel is offered for Kindergarten–2nd graders. The children leave worship with their group right before the sermon to enjoy a child-friendly message and return when the sermon has ended. To participate, sign up before the service at the Welcome Desks outside McCoy Chapel or the Great Hall.
WORSHIP CLASS
In the fall, our Worship Class is offered to third graders (and up) during the 11 o’clock service and supported with at-home discussions and activities. Children learn about all the different parts of worship and why/how we all worship together. Through the at-home portion of the class, families are equipped and encouraged to have thoughtful discussions about worship with their children. Participants who complete the class are recognized at a special graduation during worship each fall.
PRAISEKIDS
Kindergarten-fifth graders are invited to join our children’s choir, PraiseKids. Children of all musical abilities and talents are welcome to come play games and learn new skills as they make a joyful noise! Practices are from 5-6pm on Sunday afternoons during the school year.
Wednesdays
Our One Wednesday Logos (OWLs) group for 3rd–5th graders meets the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00–8:00 pm with the older youth. They share dinner, games, and music time with the Youth Ministry and then break off for our own Bible study time.
Children in 3rd–5th grade are invited to attend these gatherings from September to April.
Camps:
VBS (Vacation Bible School) is one of the biggest events of the year for our kids. It’s also our biggest intergenerational activity, with almost as many volunteers as children. VBS takes place from 9:00–12:00 pm the first week after school is out. You can view this year’s VBS page to get review our program and sign up your kids.
KidQuake is the first experience of camp for many of our kids. KidQuake is a retreat weekend with kids from all over our Presbytery at Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Texas. During the weekend, children will experience worship, small groups, fellowship and FUN together.
Missions
Children participate in various missions within the church and locally. In the fall the Elementary Ministry, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry, leads the collection of change for our annual Stewardship Campaign. In winter children look forward to having the opportunity to shop for other less fortunate kids through the Christmas Giving Tree.
To learn more about our Director of Elementary Ministry, Carrie Patterson, view our Staff Page.