Children and Youth
Welcome to Children and Youth
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
LIANNA CAMPOS
Happy Fall! Our program year has started! We are trying a lot of new things this season, seeking to increase our programming offerings while respecting the busy schedules of our families. We have strengthened the relationship between the music and faith formation ministries, which has led to the development of our Youth Music and Arts Sunday school class, the Youth Bell Choir, and more. I am especially excited about this relationship because of the way it demonstrates developing our faith both within and beyond the classroom.
Also new this season is our Early Schoolers class! This class is for all children aged 4 through kindergarten, and you can read more about it later in this brochure. I’m excited for our little ones to experience faith formation in a classroom setting, where we can play and sing and learn together.
As God is everywhere, learning about God can happen anywhere. It’s a blessing to be a part of this congregation that supports faith formation activities of all types for all ages. Whether it’s through a service project, a bouncing field trip, or a Sunday school class, I hope that our children and youth learn of their sacred worth and have a good time doing it!
Thank you for taking the time to peruse this brochure! For more information, please check out the church website, sign up for and read the church’s weekly email, or reach out to me. It’s going to be a great season!
In peace, Lianna Director of Faith Formation
Calendar - At A Glance
for Children and Youth at First Congregational
OCTOBER
CROP Walk
Sunday, October 12
La Foret Fall Retreat
October 17th-19th , Colorado Springs
Q.U.E.S.T.-formation
Sunday, October 26
Halloween Party and Concert
Sunday, October 26
NOVEMBER
Youth Bouncy Outing
Saturday, November 8 1:00-4:00
Preschool and Elementary Family Outing
Saturday, November 15 2:00-4:00
Q.U.E.S.T.-formation
Sunday, November 16
Youth Dinner and Service
Thursday, November 20 6:00-8:00 p.m.
(See details on Fall Events Page)
Children and Youth Sunday School Launches
on September 14th
Childcare for Infants and Toddlers
Our nursery is open on Sundays all year long for children aged 0-3 from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m. and special events. With our experienced childcare professionals, children play inside and outside, hear stories, explore their creativity, and have allergen-conscious snacks. The space is designed especially for our little ones with developmentally appropriate toys, kiddie sized furniture, and a fenced playpark. For the safety of our youngest, children are signed in and out by their adults and our staff keep their cell phones on to quickly communicate with parents/guardians. Our nursery is open Sunday mornings 8:15-11:45 a.m. and during special church events.
Sunday School launches on September 14th for all children and youth in preschool through twelfth grade. Classes meet on the lower level of the Faith Center.
We currently offer three Sunday school classes, all of which take place during worship:
Early Schoolers: This class is for children in preschool and kindergarten. In this class, we learn about prayer and Bible stories through lessons, songs, art, and playing.
Elementary: This class is for children in grades 1-5. Lessons are based on stories and discussions. We also check in with each other and do a variety of hands-on activities! On 2nd Sundays, the focus is on a service activity.
Middle and High School: This class is for youth grades 6-12. On 2nd Sundays, the youth are engaged in a service activity. 3rd and 4th Sundays are for Music and Art.
Please register your children and youth for Sunday School using this QR code or link...
https://firstcong.net/children-youth-registration
Paper forms are also available at church.
Contacts:
Lianna Campos – lianna@firstcong.net
Anne Martinez – anne @firstcong.net
Starting at 10:20, children meet in the classroom for Sunday School. Children can be picked up in their classroom immediately following worship.
1st
Starting at 10:20, children meet in the classroom for Sunday School. Children can be picked up in their classroom immediately following worship.
2nd
Starting at 10:20, children aged 4 through kindergarten meet in the classroom for Sunday School. Children can be picked up in their classroom immediately following worship.
3rd
Starting at 10:20, children meet in the classroom for Sunday School. Children can be picked up in their classroom immediately following worship.
4th
All Church Worship: Children may sit up front with Anne and Lianna, where activity tables and coloring pages are provided. The Joyful Noise choir sings and children help lead worship by reading scripture or prayers, serving communion, and leading songs.
Serve Sunday: Begin in worship, then join teachers for a service project—past projects include downtown trash pickup and assembling care kits. Project details will be shared in the bulletin and weekly emails. Children can be picked up from their classroom after worship.
Start in worship and then go with their teachers to their classroom for Sunday School.
11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Elementary children are invited to Grace Gallery for lunch and Joyful Noise choir rehearsal.
Start in worship and then go with their teachers to their classroom for Sunday School.
11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Elementary children are invited to Grace Gallery for lunch and Joyful Noise choir rehearsal.
All Church Worship: Youth may sit up front with Anne and Lianna, with quiet activities like coloring and origami available. The Faith Singers choir performs, and youth help lead worship by reading scripture or prayers, serving communion, and leading songs.
Serve Sunday: Begin in worship then join teachers for a service project—past projects include downtown trash pickup and assembling care kits. After worship, Youth meet families at coffee hour, then enjoy Lunch’n Chat in the Faith Cave (11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.).
Start in worship and then go with Anne and Christine to the Grace Gallery for Music and Arts Class.
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Youth meet families at coffee hour, then enjoy Lunch’n Chat in the Faith Cave .
Start in worship and then go with Anne and Christine to the Grace Gallery for Music and Arts Class.
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Youth meet families at coffee hour, then enjoy Lunch’n Chat in the Faith Cave .
EARLY SCHOOLERS
Children and Youth Fall Events at First Congregational
CROP Walk
Sunday, October 12
Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 1241 Ceres Drive, Lafayette
Registration Opens: 1:00 p.m. Walk Begins: 2:00 p.m.
This year, Boulder County celebrates its 40th CROP Walk, an annual walk to support hunger relief programs locally and globally. Come join the First Cong youth and be a part of our church’s team! We’re looking for folks to come to the walk, help fundraise, and/or donate. Starting September 21st, stop by the CROP Walk Table at coffee hour and see how you can help make a lasting difference in the fight against hunger.
La Foret Fall Retreat
October 17th-19th , Colorado Springs
Each year, La Foret hosts a fall and a spring retreat for middle and high schoolers. Expect a weekend of fun and spiritual activities surrounded by the beauty of nature. There is even a dance that Saturday that doubles as a Halloween Dress Rehearsal! Cost is $150 and camperships are available. Registration closes October 6th.
Q.U.E.S.T.-formation
October 26 and November 16
If we are called to live lives of faith, it’s important to know what it is that we believe! Our eighth and ninth graders are invited on a Quest to explore, discover, and articulate what it is they believe. We will gather for five sessions throughout the year focusing on Questions, UCC and Christianity, Exploration, Story and Song, and Testimony. In between our in-person gatherings, youth will have opportunities for conversations, new experiences, and readings that lend themselves to faith exploration. The congregation will celebrate their Quest in worship on May 3rd. All current 8th and 9th graders are invited to participate. For more information or to learn how to support our Questers, please contact Lianna at lianna@ firstcong.net.
Halloween Party and Concert
Sunday, October 26
4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Games and Pizza Dinner
6:00 p.m. – Halloween Concert
It’s spooky season, and we love our annual family Halloween Party and Concert! All ages are invited to join for an evening of games, food, and frightfully fun music. After games and some pizza (vegan and gluten-free options available), we’ll have a concert in the Sanctuary featuring scary organ music, haunting poetry, and more. Costumes are encouraged and rewarded with treats!
Youth Bouncy Outing
Saturday, November 8 1:00-4:00
Bounce Empire in Lafayette
Make sure you stretch because we’re goin’ bouncin’! All youth grades 6-12 are invited to meet at Bounce Empire in Lafayette for an afternoon of fun. This indoor amusement park has inflatables, obstacle courses, and much more. Bring a friend and see you there!
Preschool and Elementary Family Outing
Saturday, November 15 2:00-4:00
ABC Kids Climbing in Boulder
Does your family have preschool or elementary aged kids? The whole family is invited to join us at ABC Kids Climbing in Boulder for some athletic fun! Climbing is open to children (and adults) ages 2.5 and older and there are climbing walls, slides, bouldering, a zip line, and more. It’ll be a great time of family fellowship and fun!
Youth Dinner and Service
Thursday, November 20 6:00-8:00 p.m.
All youth grades 6-12 are invited to an evening of dinner and service! We will have a baked potato bar with all the toppings and make welcoming gifts for guests at the upcoming soup kitchen.
Music for Children and Youth at First
Congregational
Joyful Noise
Rehearsals on 3rd and 4th Sundays, from 11:45a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Joyful Noise is our choir for children in 1st through 5th grades. They explore music in a playful, fun, and safe setting, and learn how to use their voices and bodies as instruments. In addition to singing, they often play instruments, hand chimes, boom whackers, and handbells.
Contact: Anne Martinez
Email: anne@firstcong.net
Faith Singers
Grades 6-12. Rehearsals on 3rd and 4th Sundays, from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Directed by Anne Martinez and accompanied by Christine Teng, youth in 6th grade through High School sing once a month in worship and for holidays. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary Christian to Gospel and classical music.
Youth Bell Choir
Rehearsals on Tuesdays 4:30-5:15 p.m.
A new Youth Bell Choir meets on Tuesdays in the Sanctuary beginning in the fall 2025. Snacks are provided before rehearsal. This group for middle and high school students focuses on making music in a fun, nurturing, and safe environment. Open to anyone, regardless of previous musical experience.
Contact: Kajsa Teitelbaum
Email: kajsa@firstcong.net
Joyful Littles Music
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Anne Martinez hosts two music classes for children ages 0-5, their parents, and caregivers in our church nursery. Join us at either 10:00 or 10:45 a.m. The nursery is open from 10:00 to noon for families and children to use before or after a music class. This drop-in group is free and available to the wider community.
Contact: Anne Martinez
Email: anne@firstcong.net
ARTS Camp 2026
5/31/26-6/6/26
A beloved tradition of First Congregational Church, ARTS Camp is a highlight of every summer. A week-long residential camp in the mountains, it’s an opportunity for our elementary and middle school children and youth, 2nd through 8th grade, to explore their God-given creativity with art in all its different facets in creating a musical theater production! On the Sunday morning after camp concludes, all the campers lead the congregation in worship and share the joyous fruits of their labors. Registration for ARTS Camp opens in January.
High School Mission Trip to Ft. Worth, TX – June 2025
Maeve B., Eliot F., Amelia S., Violet T. with Lianna