Singing, fun, and Christian learning at the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown

Preschool-age through middle-school children from Yorktown and neighboring communities are invited to bring their backpacks to a “Blessing of the Backpacks” ceremony on Sunday, September 16 at the 10:45 a.m. worship service at the First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown (FPCY). The event reaffirms the support of the church for children as they begin their school year both at church and in the public schools.

Church School (Sunday School) begins at 9:30 a.m. on the same day. Typically attended by over 100 children, the FPCY Church School is filled with singing, fun activities, and age-appropriate learning.  Church School is held every Sunday for an hour between the 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship services.  Children and parents are also invited to attend worship service. Child care is available during every worship service for infants and toddlers.

Each Sunday’s Church School starts with “Gathering Time”, when children and parents are invited to the Sanctuary for a joyous expression of faith in song, followed by prayer.  Then the children divide into age-specific classrooms lead by the church’s 50 volunteer teachers.  From week to week, children “rotate” through different learning activities, such as cooking, craft construction, and computer-based Bible lessons.

A highlight of Gathering Time is occasional skits by talented actors from the Church congregation who bring Bible stories to life. Characters with names such as “Super Bible Man”, and “New Testament Ninja” act out stories such as “The Prince of Peas”.  Video clips of these hilarious and educational Bible stories can be found on the Church website at http://fpcyorktown.org/education-spiritual-growth/church-school/.

This year, the Church School curriculum helps children discuss challenges they may face regarding their faith.  Through weekly Bible stories, children learn how God’s grace is always extended to us as we deal with these challenges. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown is located at the corner of Routes 202 and 132. The Church welcomes all, regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, economic class, or sexual orientation.  More information is available at www.fpcyorktown.org.

By: Mark H. Linehan