Christian Education

The Christian Education Program at First Presbyterian Church acknowledges that our journey of faith and discipleship begins in early childhood and lasts throughout our lives. According to our Book of Order (W-6.2001-3):

"the Christian community provides nurture for its members through all of life and life's transitions.

"The church offers nurture to those entering the community of faith through: preparing for Baptism, including them in the life of the community, welcoming them to participate in its worship and to come to the Lord's Table, assisting them to claim their identity as believers in Jesus Christ, and equipping them to live as commissioned disciples in the world."

"The church offers nurture to people assuming responsibility in the world, assisting them with: self-discovery and world-awareness, self-discipline and discipleship, developing commitment to moral and ethical values, making informed choices about education and occupations, and making wise commitments in personal relationships."

"The church offers nurture to those who are living out Christian vocation in public, active life. It guides and supports them in their discipleship, as ministers to one another in the community of faith, as stewards of material resources, time and talents, as members of families, especially in their own role of sharing the faith with others of their households, as responsible citizens, and as servants of God for the world."

Our programs promote these forms of nurture by encouraging members to explore the word of God in scripture, to encounter Jesus Christ, God's Word made flesh, and to experience the Spirit of the Living God in worship, study and fellowship with one another.

Children and Worship
Most Sundays following the Time With Children in the 11:00 worship, children four years old through the 3rd grade may leave the sanctuary and go to the Chapel (South end of building) for Children and Worship. This is an opportunity for kids to experience the essential parts of worship in an age-appropriate manner. It includes music, sign language, storytelling... They are encouraged to "wonder" about the biblical stories and the mysteries of God, and also to retell the stories themselves. Parents may pick up their children in the Chapel following worship.

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Child and Youth Protection Policy information
(each of these links is in PDF format)

Child and Youth Protection Policy

Child and Youth Protection Policy APPENDICES

Church Employee Information and Forms

Volunteer Level ONE Information and Forms
(for those volunteering for a one-time event)

Volunteer Level TWO Information and Forms
(for ongoing volunteers [i.e. more than one time])

What is a Child Protection Policy?
The Child Protection Policy of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater is a policy which seeks to provide guidelines for a safe and secure environment for children and youth and their teachers/sponsors at FPC. The policy details screening of employees/volunteers, supervision, training, reporting and response to allegations, and confidentiality.

How did it come to be?
The Family Ministry Council began work on the policy in the spring of 2006. The congregation was given opportunities (once in 2006 and once in 2007) to learn about the issue and express concerns/suggestions. The policy was approved by the Session in February 2007 in order to pilot the policy with the youth ministry program (6th-12th graders) for the 2007-2008 school year. Full implementation of the policy with both the youth and the children's ministry programs began in August 2008.

Who is affected?
Those who work with the child and youth programs (Sunday Church School, fellowships, Vacation Bible School, Fun in Faith, Retreats, etc.) are affected.

What changes have we seen?
Sunday school teachers and sponsors who work on an on-going basis with children and/or youth (or are working overnight events with youth) will complete and sign a Background Check Consent Form. All volunteers in the youth program will complete a Volunteer Information Form. Those who drive youth on FPC sponsored events will be asked to complete an Auto Safety Certification Form. Youth teachers and sponsors will complete a training on child protection issues in order to provide the safest possible environment for youth to learn and grow.