.jpg)
“We are alive with the enthusiasm of our children”
Each Sunday, we provide children`s programming and a nursery as a safe space for children to belong within our community and to grow in spirit. Presently, we have about 35 children and infants who participate in our programming. They begin in the service with their parents and then head downstairs for the children's program after the Gathering Around Story during the service. The youth meet at 11:15 a.m. in their respective rooms. All youth and children's programs join in Communion with the congregation on the first Sunday of the month.
11:15 a.m. Children's Programming at First
Group 1- JK to Grade 2 (room 7)
Group 2- Grade 3-5 (room 8)
Young people over this age participate in the youth programming.
For more information please contact our Inter-generational Coordinator, Nikki Nel at nikki@firstunitedchurchottawa.org
The vision of First’s programming for children can be summarized by the following statements:
Each child feels loved the way they are (hears from God and others “my beloved in whom I am well pleased”); an unconditional love where the child feels radically accepted and included.
Each child feels they are someone of value and importance and giftedness.
There is support and development for the “spirit” self of each child, and hence their spiritual growth.
A place where child enthusiasm is allowed to flourish, and where the “child view” radiates and teaches.
A place of being noticed, known, cherished through the building of a safe community where there is a sense of belonging.
A place where loving relationships are modeled and where one can experience friendships that are more reliably kind.
Development of children’s voice and leadership.