Children and Youth Programs
Children and Youth Programs will start September 17, 2023 and conclude May 19, 2024.
You may get in touch with Hannah Altman with any questions.
Click here to view the 2023-2024 online Children and Youth Packet, containing a letter from Hannah, leadership information, our core values, more information about our programs, and a link to our participation and permissions form.
We ask each family to please complete the participation and permissions form at the beginning of each program year.
Faith Village (Children’s Sunday School)
Age: K-5th
When: Most Sundays 9:30-10:20am, downstairs
About: Children explore different stories of the Bible through different learning styles including art, music, science, cooking, drama, games, and more in rooms that are decorated to take you back to biblical times! Rooms include a marketplace, amphitheater, carpenter’s bench, playhouse, and an inn. There is an overarching theme each year.
This year’s theme is: God Surprises Us With Grace
Schedule
Parent Fellowship
Happens during Faith Village and High School Breakfast! After Parents drop off their children or youth, they are invited to relax and have fellowship with other parents with coffee and tea in their own space.
Godly Play
Age: PreK-2nd
When: 10:45-11:15am during worship, downstairs
About: Children learn stories of the Bible from both the old and new testaments through simple and inviting storytelling using wooden figures and felt underlays, “making meaning through story, wonder, and play.” Godly Play is offered during most worship services starting after the ‘Time With Children.’ Children are returned to their families in worship during the last hymn.
Schedule
High School Breakfast
Age: 9th-12th
When: Most Sundays 9:30-10:20am, downstairs or upstairs
About: A time for our high school youth to hang out together before worship with some delicious breakfast food/snacks and casual conversation about faith and anything else. Guided by Pastor Keith and Sarah and Ross French. Get in touch with Keith Phillips with interest and questions.
Schedule
Youth Group
Age: 6th-8th and 9th-12th
When: Most Sundays 6:00-8:00pm, Fellowship Hall (and various locations)
About: Youth have meaningful fellowship with one another through fun and games, a shared meal, faith discussions and lessons, mission and service opportunities, and other special events and activities. Each youth group meeting starts with dinner. Middle and High School youth will normally participate in games and recreation together then split up into their different age groups for faith discussions. This year we will primarily use the Follow Me curriculum, year three practices, from the PC(USA) store.
Schedule
Fun With Handbells
Age: 6th-12th
When: Most Sundays 5:00pm, upstairs bell room
About: There’s nothing quite like learning how to make music together with handbells! Come learn and have fun with ringing. Ringers of different levels are welcome. Depending on the group, we will start with the basics, explore different types of ringing, learn to read or practice reading music, and by the end of the year will have learned several songs that can be played in worship.
Fun With Handbells meets the same dates as Youth Group.
Get in touch with Carol Lown with interest and questions.
Confirmation
Age: 8th (and up)
When: Most Sundays 9:15-10:20am, downstairs
About: Each year, MPC offers a Confirmation class for 8th graders (and up). This is a time for youth to explore their faith, learn more about the Christian faith and PCUSA theology, and an opportunity to make a personal choice to follow Jesus and become members of the church (though membership to MPC specifically is not required). We create a safe and welcoming space for questions and conversations about the Christian faith and what it means to be disciples of Christ. Our Confirmation program involves a mentorship component where each youth is paired with an adult member of the church who will walk with them along their Confirmation journey. There will also be outreach opportunities, worship leadership opportunities, and of course much fun and fellowship!
Adult Programs and Small Groups
Adult Programs and Small Groups start September 10, 2023 and conclude May 19, 2024.
You may get in contact with Pastors Ann Pettit or Keith Phillips with any questions.
Covenant Class (Adult Sunday School)
When: Sundays 9:00-10:00am, room 117
About: Similar to a traditional Sunday School model, a biblical concept, book, or person will be explored for a 6-8 week series, four a year. A pastor or group member will lead each series using helpful study materials.
Upcoming studies:
On March 10, the class began studying “Invitation to the New Testament,” by the Disciple series. You may join anytime!
Faithful Conversations (Adult Sunday School)
When: Sundays 9:00-10:00am, room 119
About: The Faithful Conversations Sunday School Class is a congenial group- always open to visitors and new members- seeking to foster a spirit of Christian community as we gather weekly to explore Scriptural passages in a thoughtful and personal way. Class members take turns facilitating discussions, and we spend time each week sharing prayer requests and our week’s highlights.
Upcoming studies:
The group will look at Nicodemus on April 21st, and will discuss issues related to the Baltimore bridge collapse on April 28th. On May 5th, there will be a time for fellowship and a sendoff for facilitators Jon and Mary Ann Alger.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
When: Wednesdays at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall
About: This gathering includes a time of devotion, fellowship, and prayer for participants, the congregation, and the world around us. The group also sends regular cards offering prayers and support for folks who are sick, grieving, giving care, or celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. All men are welcome to bring a cup of coffee and join any week.
Presbyterian Women
When: Each Circle meets monthly for fellowship, mission and Bible Study.
About: To learn more about specific circles and their meeting schedule, contact Jean Gearing.