At the First Congregational Church of Reading, we strive to aid our children on their faith journeys, and seek to provide:

• The weekly opportunity for intergenerational worship.
• A caring community, willing to share and to act on its faith.
• A safe and joyful atmosphere.
• A weekly Sunday School program for ages 3 years through Confirmation.
• Nursery care for infants and toddlers during weekly services and special occasions.
• Opportunities to participate in mission programs to aid our community and others around the world

Sunday Mornings
Typically, children in Pre-School and above start their Sunday worship in the Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. with their families. After the “A Time for Children” during the service, the children and youth will be invited to go to their classrooms. On the first Sunday of each month, children go directly to class; those in Third grade and above go to the Sanctuary later to take part in Holy Communion.

Church School Program
Caring volunteers, under the direction of a professional administrator, staff our Church School. The curriculum, Bible Quest, retells the stories of the Bible using art, music, prayer, drama and dialogue to engage a variety of learning styles. Each class is expected to complete at least one service project every year. In addition, to help children to begin to understand how they can contribute to Outreach opportunities, children of all classes participate yearly to raise funds for Heifer Project International.

To receive additional information or ask any questions you may have about our program, please contact Linda Jerrett our Acting C.E. Administrator
By phone: (781) 944-0205, Ext. 15
Wednesdays 12 - 3: Your call will be returned within an hour of your message. Otherwise, messages will be picked up daily, Monday through Friday.

By e-mail: LindaJerrett@churchofreading.org
Registration Form (in PDF)

Confirmation Program
Our Confirmation Program (grades 8, 9 and 10) uses the United Church of Christ Affirming Faith curriculum, group activities, retreats and missions to help these young people explore becoming fuller members of the Church. The confirmands work with mentors, group leaders, Pastors and each other to examine and define their faith.

Additional Opportunities for Children and Youth
The First Congregational Church of Reading also offers opportunities for youth and children to participate beyond the regular curriculum. Throughout the year, our Church sponsors many social and educational activities and programs including:

Youth Choirs – Youth Music Program is open to all students in grades 6-12 and the Junior Music Program is open to all students in grades 3-5. In these programs, students learn how to play handbells, sing in a choir, and explore other instrument/small group singing/solo singing. K-2 Singers is the group for younger children in grades Kindergarten through grade 2. Each of these groups offers their musical talents in Sunday morning worship at various times throughout the program year.

Christmas – Participation in our annual Christmas Pageant is open to all children, and much anticipated each year.

All Church Sunday – Each spring, the Church School children present the worship service on All Church Sunday, which is followed by the Church Picnic, with food and music and games for all ages.

Youth Group – Our Youth Group, for Middle School and High School students, meet regularly for fun and service. Their activities have run the gamut from outings at Canobie Lake to participating in The Walk for Hunger.

We encourage you and your family to visit the First Congregational Church of Reading this Sunday and learn more about our programs for children and youth.