Children
At Rye Presbyterian Church, we seek to guide and nurture children on their journey of faith, engaging their natural sense of wonder and curiosity to help them know and understand God’s love. We do our best to provide a welcoming environment for all children to engage Scripture, wonder about faith, and help them live into their identities as beloved children of God.
We seek to engage children in all aspects of our community of faith:
Worship
“Jesus said to them, ‘Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children…’ Then he hugged the children and blessed them.” -Mark 10:14-16
Jesus not only welcomed children, he also blessed them. Know that your children’s presence in worship is both welcome and a blessing to us all! Here are some ideas to help make the most out of worship as a family:
• There are coloring pages and illustrated children’s bulletins with coloring pencils in the narthex!
• Explain what is happening during worship and what is coming next. Let children cross things off in the bulletin as they happen. Whispering is okay!
• When it’s time to stand, allow children to kneel on the pews if they would like.
• Allow children to participate in the offering by putting in your envelope or putting in their own gift in the offering plates near the doors as you leave. A picture drawn for God is appropriate!
• Most importantly, relax and be at peace. We know that God made children to be full of energy and excitement!
During our services, we also include a Children’s Message, where our pastors help children engage scripture in a brief, age-appropriate message.
Sunday School
To nurture their faith at church, we offer Sunday morning classes for ages 4 through 8th grade during our 10:00 a.m. service!
We are excited to introduce a new curriculum, Big Faith, which focuses on teaching children’s faith formation with creativity, imagination, and fellowship. Through timeless Bible stories, hands-on activities, and child-friendly themes, Big Faith offers faith-formation experiences that are tangible, applicable, and meaningful to children's everyday lives. If you’re interested in what we’ll be learning this upcoming year and following along, click here!
If you would like your child(ren) to participate in Sunday School, please fill out the registration form!
Music
The 2026-2027 program year will include many opportunities for children (age 4 through Grade 5) to come together to sing, learn, and make friends.
First, on Thursday afternoons in the early fall (September 17 through October 29), all in Grades 1 – 3 are encouraged to “Come, Sing!” We will meet from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (snack available at 3:45 p.m.) to sing and move about.
Second, all children age 4 through Grade 2 will have time together during worship on the first Sunday of the month (going out at the regular Sunday School time and returning in time so that all may participate as families during Communion) to learn some songs of the faith.
Our hope is to have the children sing in worship on occasion.
Looking later into the fall, children age 4 through Grade 5 are encouraged to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant. Rehearsals will be held on Thursday afternoons in November and December (exact schedule t.b.a., including auditions for speaking and solo singing parts), with the Pageant to be given Sunday, December 20, at 4:00 p.m.
And, who knows? As interest and participation grow, we will look at other musical/educational enrichment opportunities for these age groups, including a Bible story-based musical to be offered in late winter.
Fellowship and Mission
We provide many opportunities for children to grow closer with our community of faith. We do this through monthly Family Fellowship events and intergenerational service projects throughout the year.
Childcare
For children ages 3 months through 3-years-old, we offer professionally staffed childcare. Young children play in a well-supervised, spacious room filled with toys and age-appropriate activities.
CHristian Education Newsletter
We seek to support our parents as they guide and nurture their children on their journey of faith at home! Our weekly CE Newsletter provides weekly updates on what's coming up for children, youth, and families at RPC, monthly spiritual practices, occasional book recommendations, and many other ways to engage scripture, wonder about faith, and grow closer to God together at church and at home. If you would like to receive this newsletter, please email Anne A. Halloin.
Child & youth protection policy
In September 2016, Session approved a child and youth protection policy. The policy is tailored to reflect the children and youth programs at Rye Presbyterian Church, as well as meet common requirements across national and community youth programs. We believe that the practices adopted under this policy help us achieve our goals of maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for our youngest members. The policy covers several key areas including supervision, qualifications and reporting. Click here for a link to the full policy.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our Sunday morning classes or would like more information, please contact Anne A. Halloin, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries at 967-0842x17 or by .