Advent Devotional Guides

Faith Formation (Sunday School and more!)

LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Our purpose is to nurture a lifelong relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We offer people of all ages an opportunity to experience life-enhancing involvement in a faith community. We value intergenerational activities and relationships which we believe are vital to faith formation and experience for all ages. We’re using the term faith formation to emphasize that the opportunities for learning and fellowship are not limited to Sunday School.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the usefulness of remote or “digital” faith formation resources and activities. We are in the process of exploring how to provide content and opportunities for seekers who, for whatever reason, cannot enter the church building.

Faith Formation at First Presbyterian Church

Faith Formation/Sunday School Classes (Sept-May)

Sunday morning Christian faith formation activities are offered for kids aged three through senior high school, and for adults. These activities normally begin in early September with an Open House/Orientation on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This “kick-off” event gathers kids and parents and all generations together to raise awareness of upcoming activities and opportunities. It’s also an opportunity to explore the building and classrooms, meet teacher teams, become familiar with schedules and plans, locate classrooms, and above all meet others and enjoy fellowship.

Between September and May weekly gatherings for all ages happen on most Sunday mornings depending upon holidays and occasional winter weather challenges. The September-May program year concludes the Sunday before the Memorial Day weekend.

During the summer FPC offers a Vacation Bible School (“VBS) for elementary-school aged kids soon after Rochester Public Schools concludes its school year. See photos from previous Vacation Bible School over the years below.

For more information about any of our faith formation activities call the church office at (507) 282-1618.

*Sunday Morning Activities (Sept-May)

Nursery (newborn to age 3) Care

8:30am - 11:15am Nursery staffed and open
 

Age 4 through first grade

9:00-10:00am Faith Education
9:00-9:25am Cherub choir
             

Grades two through five

9:00-10:00am Faith Education
      

Grades six through adult     

9:00-10:00am   Faith Education/Nurture (Adults see more below)
9:25-9:50am Chancel choir preparation

Confirmation

For students in 8th grade (or younger or older as appropriate).

For Adults (*September - May)
 

Wednesday Bible Study/Discussion*

This Bible Study gathers most Wednesdays during the program year (and twice a month during the summer) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sheldon Jackson Lounge. A weekly email goes out to participants with that week’s class information and other fun features. If you would like to receive this email, please contact Al Depman.
 

Current Events/Adult Option Discussion*

Meets Sundays at 9:00am in the Lounge. This discussion class is led by volunteers and examines timely or controversial issues and trends generating interest in church and culture.
 

Kerygma*

Meets Sundays at 9:00am in the South Fireside Room, Kerygma studies focus on a particular theme, topic, or book of the Bible. This adult class is open to all who are interested.
 

Other gatherings

Occasionally there may be short-term book or discussion groups, parenting groups, or other adult education opportunities presented by volunteer members.

During Advent and Lent, Pastor TJ Parlette regularly leads book-discussion, Bible Study or other Advent/Lent-themed classes. Usually Wednesday evenings at 630pm during Advent and Lent. Please call for information (507-282-1618)

Child Care

Child care is provided every Sunday morning in coordination with the worship schedule. Care is also provided for special weekday evening worship services or other events when appropriate.

during the Program year*

Child care is available every Sunday from 8:15am-noon. (*September-May)
 

Sunday morning Activities*

Children age-4 & older may attend Sunday morning activities while infants may stay in the nursery (*September-May)
 

Summer

From Memorial Day Sunday through Labor Day Sunday, child care is available in coordination with the summer worship schedule.