CHURCH SCHOOL

During the 10:30 am worship service, we offer an excellent program of classes divided into the following groups: preK-1st grade; 2nd-3rd grade; 4th- 5th grade; and 6th-8th grade.

Children remain with their parents for the start of worship. Children of preschool age through 3rd grade are invited to come forward to join the pastor at the chancel steps for the “Children’s Message”. After a prayer, all children and youth leave for Church School.

The goals of our church school program are to help our children: 

  1. Develop their own understanding of God and know God's presence in their lives 
  2. Feel a part of the church community 
  3. Learn to participate meaningfully in worship and 
  4. Learn key stories of the Bible. 

This fall our Church School for all ages will focus on the biblical concept of COVENANT. We are excited to teach children the living Bible stories that express how, over ages, God has made promises: binding and eternal promises that deepen God’s relationship with God’s people. Children will learn each story over the course of several Sundays, attending a different kind of workshop each week that looks at the story from a different angle, in a different way, using drama, art, puppets and conversation.

On Communion Sundays, the first Sunday of the month, children return to the sanctuary from Church School to share the Lord’s Supper with their church family.

Our church school is led by coordinator Marianne Montero, and is staffed with volunteer teachers.

Confirmation

From January through spring, our 8th graders participate in a pastor-led confirmation program that enables them to explore their faith: Who is God? Who is Jesus? What is the church? What is the Christian life? We go deeper into the Bible stories the youth learned as children, explore church history and the ministry and mission of RPC. Youth participate in service projects such as the Midnight Run and Souper Bowl Sunday. Those who wish to be confirmed write a Statement of Faith.

Senior High School Youth Group

Youth in grades 9 - 12 meets most Sundays during the second half of the worship hour.  
The group focuses on service to others and discovering who we are and what we believe.  Throughout the year, there are opportunities to 

  1. volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, 
  2. get together with friends at lock-ins, discuss the things that really matter,
  3. serve the homeless of New York City on a Midnight Run,
  4. participate in mission trips,  including fundraising (in past years, youth have helped rebuild homes in post-Katrina New Orleans and rural Appalachia as well as serve in a local Washington DC neighborhood.)

This year Sarah Cairatti, a second-year student at Union Theological Seminary will be leading the Youth Group.

See you Sundays!

Youth choir

Children in 4th grade and up are invited to participate in the youth choir, which includes youth through senior high. The youth choir sings in worship twice each month and on Christmas Eve. Eva Carrasquero is the youth choir director. The youth choir and youth group will gather at the pastor’s home for the annual kick-off pizza party. Watch these pages for the date.

Nursery

For children too young for preschool Church School, our newly renovated nursery contains age-appropriate toys and books, changing facilities and children-size restroom facilities, a pack-and-play for sleepy little ones. Parents are welcome to stay in the nursery with their little ones, or if the children are willing, they may remain with our experienced caregivers.

Children of any age are welcome to stay with their parents in the sanctuary. Parents with restless children may come and go as they wish. For children who wish to remain quietly in the sanctuary, there are colorful bags with crayons and paper in the front pew year the door leading to the church school classrooms.