First Presbyterian Church of Algona Children"s Wall
First Presbyterian Children
At First Presbyterian, we strongly believe in the value of having children remain in worship throughout the entire service. Why? We believe the habits and priorities we establish early in life will influence decisions made later in life. We want to help nurture children who understand the value and joy of worship and who will want to continue to be in worship throughout their lives.
Everyone can help with this. If you are a parent of a baby or toddler, please come to worship and sit wherever you are comfortable. If your child or toddler needs to eat or drink during worship, that’s ok. If your child makes noise, please stay. You will not upset the pastors. (The pastors wrote this.)
If your child is voicing a desire for another cookie, it’s the perfect time to teach about the whisper voice. Your children’s noises enhance worship. It may just be that someone near you needs to hear the cooing - or even crying, of a child. Your child is a gift of God to you and to all of us, and we are all happy that you are sharing your children with us.
Now, for those times when your child is having ‘one of those days,’ there is a nursery where you and your child can go to regroup. Just be careful, children can train us. One of my children looked at me one time and said, “I’m being really noisy, I should probably go to the nursery.”
We believe in intergenerational worship, and we strive to include people of all ages in our worship services. We also strive to address multiple sensory modes, learning styles, music preferences, and a variety of ability levels. If you have a need that is not being met, please speak with one of the pastors or an elder of the church.
As children get older, there are parts of the service that are simple to read or repeat. Children can memorize and participate in portions of the service like the Passing of the Peace, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed. We provide children’s bulletins, activity bags, and a children’s sermon. All young disciples are welcome to come forward for their sermon. Parents are welcome to accompany younger or shyer children until they are ready to come on their own.
We currently have two children’s classes. The Pre-K through 1st-grade class is for early readers. We learn through play, acting out stories, and a variety of other experiences. We are currently studying Palm Sunday and Easter.
The 2nd through 6th-grade class engages in Bible studies on topics of interest to them. This class is for independent readers.
Vacation Bible School begins the Monday after the Kossuth County Fair ends. This summer, VBS begins on Monday, August 4th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Children who are potty trained and 3-years-old through 6th-graders may register.
Children in grades 2 through 6 are invited on Wednesdays at 5:15 for Bible lessons that include music, games, videos, or projects. Our current series is titled “Best Year Ever.”
Pastor Tamara offers introduction to piano lessons for elementary students in grades 3 - 5.
