“Where every story matters, every family belongs, and every child is a beloved reflection of God”
Our Prayground is a dedicated worship-space at the back of the sanctuary for children and their caregivers, and is available every Sunday during worship.
Young People at First Church
Prayground
Our Prayground is a dedicated worship-space at the back of the sanctuary for children and their caregivers, and is available every Sunday during worship.
Every child experiences the world differently, and our Prayground honors that diversity. Soft seating, sensory tools, quiet activities, and open-ended play options support a wide range of sensory needs and attention styles. Whether a child needs to wiggle, fidget, create, or simply observe, this space affirms that their presence is a gift- not a distraction.
On the first Sunday on the month, young people remain in worship and are encouraged to participate through reading of liturgy and scripture, singing with the band, and/or serving communion.
By integrating children into the worshipping body, we model a church where all ages, abilities, and families are valued. The Prayground helps families feel supported, reduces stress for caregivers, and strengthens our shared sense of community. It’s one more way we practice radical welcome: making room for every child to experience God’s love in ways that feel safe, engaging, and deeply their own.
Near our Prayground Space is another area intended to serve the needs of children and their families in our community in a dedicated sensory space. In the back foyer, you will find comfortable seating, fidget/sensory toys, and a changing table- separate from the sights and sounds of our worship space.
Sunday School
Sunday School is a time for our young people, ages 3-11, to learn about God in a safe and inclusive place. We have intentionally crafted each Sunday School lesson to reflect the larger scripture and theme that the larger congregation hears during that day’s service. The themes discussed are then taught in a manner that is developmentally appropriate for young people, so as to encourage conversation between families during the week.
We use the “The Peace Table”, a storybook bible that highlights the inclusive nature of God’s love.
Believing that God has entrusted us with the responsibility of caring for children, safety is a priority for our Sunday School. Therefore:
All young people must be signed in by a parent or guardian with updated contact information.
No one other than a parent/ guardian listed on the sign-in sheet may pick up any child.
At all times, there will be at least two caregivers with any group of children in our care.
All volunteers working directly with children have updated background checks/ fingerprint clearance cards, and have completed safety trainings in the past year.
Medications will not be administered by any volunteer without parental approval. Documentation of allergies must be on file for all young people.
For bathroom safety, all will go together and wait outside for anyone who needs to use the restroom (single stall unisex bathroom).
If a child becomes ill during the service, their parent/guardian will be immediately contacted.
Resources for Parents
Helping Kids Through Tough Times: Resources for Parents
Book: “New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Christian Theology for
Families” byClaire Brown and Anita Peebles (see Rebekah Sperling for copy)
Open and Affirming Storybooks for Children
A resource list for talking with children about race and racial justice
Book: “Prayers for Faithful Families: Everyday Prayers for Everyday Life” by Traci Smith