Children's Ministry
We love and value children and seek to nurture them in the ways of faithfulness. Director of Family and Educational Ministries Rebecca Chaffee oversees church school for children from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 6.
On Sunday mornings, children in grades Pre-K through 12 join the congregation in worship until after the Children's Sermon. At that time, children in grades Pre-K through 6 leave the sanctuary and go to their classrooms for their church school lessons. The exception to this schedule is our Gathering Service on the last Sunday of the month, at which time the children remain in the Sanctuary for the entire service and participate in the program either in song or drama. Children also participate in our worship service as acolytes, ushers, greeters, musicians, singers, actors and lectors.
Mission Projects: Our children take an active part in the life of our church and have participated in several mission projects including: Church World Service Gift of the Heart School Kit & Health Kit Program, Hosting the JD-FM Crop Walk at our Pebble Hill Church, and participating in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
Nursery Care: Nursery care is available for children from birth to 3 years each Sunday during our worship service and education time. Barb Walton, our Nursery and Playroom Coordinator, is assisted by approved church volunteers in providing tender loving care and attention to the children.
Vacation Bible School: The Vacation Bible School program is a week-long program open to both children and adults. Adults may participate with their children or attend an adult Bible study.
Stay 'n Play Cooperative Nursery Program: This program was started in 1978 as a program for members of Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church. It has since evolved into a community outreach program that offers a valuable service to all parents in the area. Unlike nursery school or "tot-drop" programs, no one is paid to take care of the children. The emphasis is on "cooperative"— a group of mothers (and an occasional dad) sharing their skills and helping one another. Some participants take full advantage of the babysitting service, while others prefer to use the morning primarily as a social opportunity for both themselves and their children.
The first semester runs from mid September through January. The second semester runs from February until early June. We have the program 1 or 2 days each week, depending on need. Ideally, we have 9 parents for each day; 3 are assigned to work and the other 6 may leave. The hours are from 9:30 to 12:30 pm, and children bring their lunch. The cost per semester is $20 for the 1st child and $5 for each additional child. These fees are used for new toys and nursery equipment. There is also a $10 snack fee per family. For more information or to receive a copy of the Stay 'n Play guidelines, contact Nancy Byrne at nancyphippsbyrne@gmail.com