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Children's Ministry

At First Presbyterian Church, we believe children thrive when they’re surrounded by love, curiosity, and community. That’s why we offer a variety of programs designed to help kids grow in faith, build friendships, and feel at home in church life.

GLOW: God’s Love, Our Wonder

GLOW is our Christian Education program for children, open to ages two through sixth grade. Each Sunday, kids gather in a nurturing space to explore Bible stories, ask questions, and discover how God’s love shows up in their everyday lives. Activities include storytelling, crafts, music, and conversation—all designed to spark wonder and deepen faith.

Sunday Morning Offerings

During in-person worship, we provide:

  • Nursery Care (ages infant to 2): 9:30–11:00 a.m.

  • GLOW Sunday Program (ages 2 through 6th grade): 9:45–10:30 a.m., after Children's Time in worship

Whether your family is new to FPC or has been part of our community for years, we welcome your children’s energy, curiosity, and joy.

Beyond Sunday

Our children’s ministry continues throughout the week with:

  • Youth Group gatherings

  • Children’s vocal and handbell choirs

  • Seasonal fellowship events and service opportunities

There’s something for every family—and every child—at FPC.

Stay Connected

  • Watch our Children’s Ministry videos on YouTube

  • Sign up for our Family News e-blast by contacting Nancy Leardi at

  • Join our community groups for updates and events

To learn more or get involved, reach out to Nancy Leardi, Director of Christian Education. We’d love to welcome you.

Would you like to volunteer?  Click here for the Children's Ministry Volunteering form

Vacation Bible Camp

Children entering kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to join us for a week of Vacation Bible Camp at FPC. VBC is a joyful time of learning, laughter, and connection—where kids explore Bible stories, make new friends, and grow in faith through fun, hands-on activities.

All are welcome, whether you're part of our congregation or joining from the wider community.

Click here to sign up online and follow the prompts to complete your sign-up.

We also welcome volunteers to help make the week a success. If you're interested, please contact Nancy Leardi at 732-491-2264.

Children’s Time

Children are always welcome in worship at FPC. Early in the service, we invite them to gather for a brief Children’s Time—a message just for them—before heading to the Sunday morning GLOW program. It’s a meaningful moment where they’re reminded that they are a valued part of our church family.


Pastor Garry Leading Children’s Time.

Children/Youth Fellowship Groups

  • First Tuesday (children four-year-olds - 2nd grade) - 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the GLOW room. 
  • Junior Club (grades 3 – 6) –Usually meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, October – May, from 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. in the Social Center or the GLOW room. Sign up for the FB posts and Family Eblasts or check out our church calendar for up-to-date schedules. 

      

Children’s Vocal and Handbell Choirs

Music is a joyful part of life at First Presbyterian Church, and we love seeing children take part. From vocal choirs to handbell ensembles, there are opportunities for kids to learn, grow, and share their gifts in a supportive and fun environment.

Want to learn more? Click here for details about our Children’s Vocal and Handbell Choirs.

Puppet Ministry

   

Our Puppet Ministry is a creative and engaging way for students in grades 6–12 to share the message of God’s love. Guided by adult leaders, the team meets monthly to prepare skits that bring Bible stories to life through puppetry.

With a collection of over 25 puppets, complete with costumes and props, the group presents during the GLOW program and occasionally in worship. It’s a fun, meaningful way for youth to grow in faith, teamwork, and storytelling.

Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact Nancy Leardi at  (732) 491-2264 or Kat Davis at

Christmas Pageant 

 

Each year, our Christmas Pageant brings together over 100 children, youth, and adults to share the story of Jesus’ birth in a joyful and meaningful way. Held on December 24th at 5:00 p.m., this beloved tradition is open to all children ages 4 through 18—whether they’re longtime members or joining us for the first time.

Rehearsals begin after worship in December, and details about sign-ups will be shared in the Sunday Bulletin during the Advent season.

We also welcome parent volunteers to help with costumes, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes support. It’s a wonderful way to be part of the celebration.

For questions or to get involved, feel free to reach out to our team—we’d love to have you join us.

Want to see what it is all about, click below 
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Parent Resources

For devotional readings and activities you can do at home with your kids and teens, please see our Devotionals Page.

World Vision

hrough their weekly offering, our GLOW children are learning the joy of giving by supporting Kentine, a young girl from Burundi through World Vision. For over seven years, our church has walked alongside Kentine as she’s grown—she’s now 13 and in 5th grade. This year, our support helped provide her with a school uniform, supplies, reading and writing workshops, and a hygiene kit with essentials like soap and toothpaste. Kentine shares that she feels special when she can celebrate with others and loves learning how to care for those around her.

To contribute to Kentine’s sponsorship, you can:

  • Mail a check: Payable to First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen, with “World Vision Kentine” in the memo

  • Give online: Click below and type “Kentine” in the Miscellaneous line

Thank you for helping our children live out their faith through generosity and love.

Donate to World Vision

Community Nursery School

Our church-sponsored nursery school offers a warm, nurturing environment where young children—ages 2½ to 6—can learn, grow, and thrive. We provide a range of age-appropriate programs designed to support early development and prepare children for the next steps in their learning journey.

  • Pre-K4: Half-day and full-day options 

  • Pre-K3: Half-day and full-day options classes 

    Young Learners: For our youngest participants

  • Aftercare: An extended-day program for children who need to stay after the school program ends

Families are welcome to explore the program that best fits their child’s needs. We’re here to support every step with care, creativity, and connection.

Click here for more information about Community Nursery School.

Camp Johnsonburg

Camp Johnsonburg is a Presbyterian Camp located in Northern New Jersey.  All information including the Camp Johnsonburg Summer Schedule of Events/Activities and registration are available through the Camp Johnsonburg website:  www.campjburg.org.  

FPC You Tube Programs

Click here to view the virtual VBS video links on the FPC Facebook page.  Click on the links below to view our latest children’s ministry programs on the FPC You Tube Channel: