Second Presbyterian Church

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Families & Children Ministry

Faith Compassion Heritage Fellowship

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The mission for Families and Children Ministry is to nurture the faith of the whole family through fellowship, outreach, and study opportunities.

While we are able to grow spiritually through worship and Christian Education classes at Second Presbyterian, this ministry gives families a chance to get to know other families and walk in faith together, as well as get to know one another on a social level. They say “it takes a village” to raise a child, so let’s work on building that village here together.

Also, follow us on Facebook & Instagram to keep up with what we’ve got planned!

Children at Second Presbyterian

Our children are welcomed in all aspects of the life of the church. At Sunday School, children are invited to explore their faith and learn about the Bible with an age-specific curriculum taught by our dedicated staff and volunteers. During worship, children may use our Worship Engagement Packets to keep them learning. And throughout the year, we have many special programs for children of all ages. However old you are, you are welcome at Second Presbyterian!

For more information on children’s programming for children in the 5th Grade or younger, see below. For 6th-12th grade programs, see our youth programs. For musical programs with children, see Children’s Music.

Sunday School

Sunday School classes for 3-year-olds through 5th graders help children to creatively wonder about God’s story and explore ways to share God’s love as they continue to grow in faith. Our programs rest on a wonderful core of staff and volunteers.

Beginners Sunday School

Twos & Threes, Kindergarten

Our youngest children meet together for Beginners Sunday School from 9:50-10:50am in the nursery. This program focuses on fun, belonging, and encountering the key stories of the Bible through storytelling, crafts, and music.

Bible Village

1st through 3rd Grade

Bible Village Sunday School is held from 9:50-10:50am in the Bible Village wing. This program focuses on exploring Bible stories and practices of worship through interactive activities such as drama, art, and music.

SPY Kids Sunday School

4th and 5th Grade

SPY Kids Sunday School is held from 9:50-10:50am in the Bible Village wing. This program offers a deeper exploration of scripture and traditions, as well as helping kids prepare for the transition to our Second Presbyterian Youth (SPY) Ministry. SPY Kids also has monthly events just for 4th and 5th graders!

Special Events

Ferncliff Camp

Second Presbyterian Church is proud to partner with Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, the Presbyterian camp in west Little Rock. We encourage families to check out the camp programs throughout the year at Ferncliff, as well as the Nature Preschool. Second Presbyterian often hosts events at Ferncliff, and works closely with Ferncliff on numerous projects. To learn more about Ferncliff, see their website.

Meet our Staff

Jesus said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me.” We love children of all ages here at Second Presbyterian Church.

Milestones

Milestones of faith mark significant ages and stages of a child’s spiritual journey. For each milestone, parents and children can participate in an educational event and a family celebration. Parents will also be provided with written guides for use at home to support the learning that happens at church.

  • Celebrating Baptism – Following a child’s baptism, the family will receive a special book and gift from the church.
  • Learning Together – Three Year Olds – Parents and children join together for a special celebration with a presentation of a story-book Bible to each three year old child.
  • Praying Together – Four Year Olds – Parents and children learn about different ways to pray.
  • Worshiping Together – Rising First Grade – Parents and children participate together in special activities to learn about what happens in worship services.
  • Exploring the Sacraments – First & Second Grades – Parents and children learn about the sacraments and children are especially welcomed to the Lord’s Table in worship.
  • Discovering God’s Word – Third & Fourth Grades – Each 3rd and 4th grader will be presented with a Bible and will participate together in a “Get To Know Your Bible” event.
  • Practicing Our Faith – Fourth & Fifth Grades – 4th and 5th graders will participate in an overnight retreat at Ferncliff, with parents joining in for opening and closing hands-on activities.
  • Growing in God’s Plan – Sixth & Seventh Grades – 6th and 7th graders will participate in a Created by God workshop series around their growing bodies and building healthy relationships.
  • Confirmation – Eighth Grade – A six-month program in which 8th graders engage with teachers, mentors, families, and peers to prepare to reaffirm their baptismal covenant, make a public profession of personal faith, and commit to live as disciples of Christ and responsible members of the community of faith.

Child Protection Policy

The Miriam Project: a policy for the protection of Children, Youth and at-risk Adults

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Psalm 122:1

We believe that we are called by God to be the body of Christ in our community and that it is our responsibility to create safe and supportive environments for all children, youth, and at-risk adults participating in the activities and programs of Second Presbyterian Church. Our policies and guidelines for the protection of children, youth, and at-risk adults have been named “The Miriam Project” – in the spirit of Miriam, the sister of Moses, who is remembered for her protection of the baby Moses and her guidance as he grew to become one of God’s great leaders.

“Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exalt you.” Psalm 5:11

As a church, through the promises we make at each baptism, we have accepted responsibility to provide sage and nurturing environments for children of all ages. In the policies outlined in the Miriam Project we have taken positive steps to provide as safe an environment as possible for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our children, youth, and at-risk adults. View our: Miriam Project Policy.

All staff members and volunteers (18 years and older) who wish to minister with our children, youth, and at-risk adults on a regular basis must complete the following requirements:

  • Be a member of Second Presbyterian Church
  • Complete an Information Form and sign a Covenant
  • Agree to a confidential criminal background check
  • Agree to adhere to the conduct required in the Miriam Project

Access our: Leadership Application Packet.

  • Welcome! As a first step, reach out to Grant Wright and get on our mailing list. We can’t wait to get to know you better. Once you’re on the list, you’ll receive information about our various events and gatherings.

  • Absolutely! As a part of our milestones program, we provide storybook Bibles for 3 year olds and full Bibles with kid-friendly notes to 3rd graders. However, even if your child is not at those ages, we would be happy to provide you with an age-appropriate Bible if you ask!

  • At 9:50, we start Sunday School for children both virtually and in-person. We begin with music and prayers, and move into a lesson on a Bible story or faith topic. To explore this lesson, we will always include interactive elements such as crafts, drama, and games.

  • Children 6th grade and older are served by our youth programs.

  • We would love to have your help! No particular experience or knowledge is required, and we can always welcome more help in our programs. Volunteers for children’s ministry programs are required to be certified according to our Miriam Project standards, which include training, registration, and a background check.

  • We believe that all of us are made in the image of God, that God loves us and wants us to treat each other well, and that we can seek God at any time through prayer, worship, and service. As Presbyterians, our theology hews to the Reformed tradition, and as a congregation of the PC(USA), we have a special emphasis on God’s inclusive love.

  • No! We purposely try to plan a range of events with different times and areas of interest so that there is something for everyone. Whether it is one parent, or the whole family that can join us for one, some, or all of our events we are glad to have you!

  • Yes. We have programs of loving-care and age-appropriate spiritual formation beginning at babies through preschool, K-3, 4-6, 7-8, and  9-12 grades. We continue with college and young adult programming and so on. We celebrate their milestones along way.

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