Welcome to the Children, Youth, and Families Ministry of FBC!
At FBC, we welcome all children & youth, and their families, to creatively and compassionately experience God’s joy, hope, and love. We do this through listening to our diverse voices, connecting with others, building relationships, and cultivating social justice in order to make a difference in our families, church, community, and world.
The safety of our kids and youth is of the utmost of importance to us. All staff and volunteers working with our children undergo an interview and screening process which includes a national background check. At all times within our ministry, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Safe Church Policy that was established at FBC in 2004 and updated in 2017, which ensures that First Baptist Church is a safe place for our children and youth, as well as all who attend and serve here. Our full Safe Church Policy is available on this website, please contact Sean P. Williams if you have any questions or would like to discuss this further.
We have a variety of weekly/regular activities, and special events throughout the year, that we would love for you to be a part of. Here are just a some of the opportunities you have to be a part of our ministry!
SUNDAY MORNING:
Children’s Story: Each Sunday during the 10am worship service, children participate in Children’s Story following The Lord’s Prayer. While designed to be appropriate and applicable to our children, everyone present always gets something from this special time in worship.
Children’s Chapel: After the Children’s Story, children are dismissed to Children’s Chapel, which is a special worship time designed specifically for our children, which includes music, a story, reflection time, a “feast” (snack), prayer, and more.
On first Sundays of every month, children remain in the Sanctuary for the full worship service to participate in communion, activity bags are available if needed.
There is also a space in the Sanctuary specifically designed for children, called the Grace Space, which is a consistent, welcoming spot where children can experience worship through age-appropriate materials and tools that will help keep them engaged in an intergenerational service.
Childcare is available on Sunday mornings for infants through preschool in the nursery.
Youth remain in the Sanctuary for the full worship service every Sunday, and are welcome to sit with family and friends, or join other youth in the balcony. Youth are also invited to help with Children’s Chapel if interested.
Children, youth, and families are invited to help lead the worship services on 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month, please contact us if you are interested in being a part in this way.
YOUTH GROUP: Our Youth Group is part of the McMinnville Youth Collective, which is a collaboration of our church with First Presbyterian Church, McMinnville Cooperative Ministries, and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. We meet most Sunday nights, from 5:30-7pm, for dinner, games and a program. The location varies from week/month to week/month, so please contact us for info about a specific date. All 6th through 12th grade youth are invited to join us, and friends are welcome anytime.
SCHOOL YEAR EVENTS: During the school year there are other events for children, youth, and families, including family gatherings, worship programs, parents meetings, lock-outs, winter camp, seasonal activities, special worship services, and more!
SUMMER EVENTS: The summer is also full of special events for children, youth, and families, including summer camps at Camp Arrah Wanna, Vacation Bible School, Worship in the Park, All Church Campout, swimming and day trips, parties, and more!
If you have questions or need more info about anything related to children, youth, and families at FBC, please contact us!