Faith Formation Program for Children & Youth Summer 2025 - Spring 2026

The Faith Formation program at First Congregational Church of Ripon serves families through a variety of regular activities and special events throughout the church year. Regular Sunday School classes provide preschool and elementary age children with lessons, activities, and music instruction to teach the stories, practices, and calendar cycle of our faith. In addition, each season of the year features activities (e.g., a potluck lunch and March Madness game session, Easter egg hunt, and Hanging of the Greens) that foster intergenerational conversations and good feelings about being part of our church community. 

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CHILDREN IN SUNDAY SERVICES
Children and youth are frequent participants in Sunday services as lectors, musicians, choir members, acolytes, and in other roles. Children and youth are welcome to participate in communion during each month’s first Sunday service. They present our annual Christmas pageant and are part of quarterly youth-led Sunday services. A special area in the back of the sanctuary provides puzzles and coloring sheets related to the scriptures used in our services. Fidgets are available at both sanctuary entrances, and seating in the Narthex provides a space for parents and fussy infants to refresh and relax. After the Children’s Moment in the service, children are welcome to return to the classroom for a snack and informal play and craft time before joining the adults at coffee hour following the service.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL 
During the school year, Sunday School is offered prior to the Sunday service. Currently ed by Interim Christian Education Director Dr. Jeanne Williams, the curriculum engages children with lectionary texts through reading, discussion, skits, games, arts and crafts activities, and music. Music instruction takes place each week, providing children with opportunities to sing and learn to add other elements (hand bells, chimes, and percussion) to performances.  

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SUMMER PROGRAM FOR 2025
During the summer of 2025, Faith Formation will offer an eight week summer church school program, Earth Guardians. As we learn about the roles of water, seeds, soil, animals, and harvest in maintaining God’s creation in healthy ways, we will also do a local and an international service project. This program will take place each Sunday after the Children’s Moment in the service from June 1-July 27th (except July 6th). The program will include a variety of activities at the church and in our local area featuring our agricultural and natural resources.

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CONFIRMATION
Our confirmation program takes place whenever a cohort of middle and high school students are ready for that experience. Currently, the interim pastor, parents of confirmands, and the Faith Formation committee are considering options for a one-year program for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

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OUTDOOR FUN
First Congregational Church has a small playground and picnic tables adjacent to the Fellowship Hall to allow families to enjoy our spectacular summer and fall weather during Sunday coffee hour or whenever they are in the neighborhood. A container garden allows children to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables each year.

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CONTACT 
For more  information about our Faith Formation program, please contact Dr. Jeanne Williams at jeanne@riponcongregationalucc.org.