Parents Most Asked Questions!

How many kids are in your program?

Our current program is 26 kids (and counting)!

Attendance fluctuates with sports obligations, the weather, colds making the rounds, and holiday travel. On average, there are 8-10 kids on any given Sunday, but we have near perfect attendance sometimes and (less often) just a few kids are able to come. Many of our kids have regular attendance, which is wonderful!

What class options are there?

High School (grades 9-12) : Also known as Youth. Youth are generally supported as individuals and meet as a group for special projects and worship services.

Middle School (grades 5-8) : Also known as Jr. Youth. Jr. Youth have class every Sunday morning during the worship hour.

Elementary School (Pre-K - grade 4): Elementary class meets every Sunday morning during the worship hour.

Nursery (Infants - ages 3/4) : The nursery is staffed every Sunday beginning at 10:15AM.

What does a typical Sunday look like?

On a typical Sunday, everyone gathers in the sanctuary at 10:30 for worship. After some hymns, the chalice lighting and Joys and Sorrows, the children are sung out to their classrooms. This is usually between 10:45 and 10:55. Each classroom has two adults, as we use Safe Congregations best practices. I am usually one of the adults with the Middle School class. Jacky is usually one of the adults with the Elementary class. The second adult in these classrooms is usually one of our regular teachers: Tricia, Priscilla, Kerry, or Mimi. 

The nursery is staffed by responsible teens and sometimes adults. Our regular nursery providers are Ian, Allie, and Elsa.

There are times when children remain in service. We call these services multi-generational. These are special services where we gather together for congregational rituals or holidays. Some examples include:

  • Water Communion - Our annual in-gathering that marks the beginning of a new church year. Sept.
  • Thanksgiving/Harvest Service - November
  • Christmas pageant - usually in the middle of December
  • Christmas Eve service - an evening service with our highest attendance
  • Easter
  • Religious Education Sunday - celebrating faith formation and religious exploration 

Must my child go to class? Can they stay with me?

There are options so that you can be in the First Parish community in a way that feels right for you and your children!

  1. Your children can stay with you in the sanctuary.
  2. You can join your child in their classroom! No, really, you can! 
  3. Parents are welcome to teach a class or be the second adult in the classrooms.
  4. Your children can go to their classes while you attend worship.

What if my child gets restless during the service?

Plenty of people like to keep their hands occupied to help them stay calm or focused. There are colorful, drawstring bags at the rear of the sanctuary where most people enter. These bags include rainbow scratch-off art paper, lacing boards, easy yarn embroidery, magic color sheets, Wikki Sticks, pipe cleaners, and other fun items! There are also clipboards with paper and crayons next to the bags. 

What should I do if I have more unanswered questions?

Please reach out to us!