Worship Opportunities for Children & Youth
Sunday Morning Services
All children in the Primary through Junior Youth Clusters begin Sunday mornings in the sanctuary with their families. After the Ministers’ Moment with Children and Youth, children and teachers leave for their classes where they light a chalice and have a brief, age appropriate worship circle.
Intergenerational Services
Throughout the year there are approximately six fully intergenerational services where young and old alike share the entire worship service in the sanctuary. The first intergenerational service of the year is called Ingathering. Other intergenerational services include the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the annual holiday pageant in December, and on Christmas Eve there are two candlelight services, one at 5 p.m., the second at 7:00 p.m. Intergenerational worship has been one focus of discussion on the Worship Arts Council this past year, and changes to the service elements are being planned for the future.
Senior High Youth Group Worship
Senior high youth group has a chalice lighting and check-in as part of each youth group session, and the Youth Programs Coordinator leads monthly worship with them as well. Each year the senior high youth group plans and conducts at least one worship service for the congregation, and for the past two years, has led two.
Friday Sundown Family Services
In addition to the Sunday morning service, First Parish offers an alternative worship service on the fourth Friday of the month called, appropriately enough, Friday Sundown. These family-friendly services are preceded by dinner, and last for only a half hour. Many find this an especially nice way to begin the weekend.