Children, Youth & Families

Join Us in Welcoming our New Associate Minister

Rev. Olena Withrow

READ ABOUT LENA HERE

To be connected or ask any questions regarding our Children, Youth and Family Programming, please reach

out to Lisa McTigue at lisa@wscongo.org.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

CHILDREN 3 YEARS OLD THROUGH 7TH GRADE

Every Sunday morning during the 8:45am & 10am services

Sunday School is offered year-round during our Sunday morning worship services for children ages 3 years through 7th grade. Regardless of age, our hope is to convey to all children that they are beloved children of God. As a church family, we respond to that love in the way we care for ourselves, each other, our neighbors locally and globally, and God’s world. In our classes, we practice together all those things that loving Christians do: pray, give thanks, comfort, defend, forgive and repent, in a safe and supportive atmosphere. And of course, we learn from (not just about) the Biblical stories of people who have experienced God’s power and love in their messy lives.

4th GRADE BIBLE STUDY

FOR THOSE ENTERING 4TH GRADE

All 4th graders at First Congo are invited to participate in a special unit to learn about the Bible. During this 4-week unit, the children will learn about the books of the Bible, major stories in the Bible, and how to use and find various scriptures in the Bible. At the conclusion of this unit, each 4th grader will be presented with their own personalized Bible. 

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For any questions regarding Sunday School or 4th Grade Bible Study, please reach out to

our Christian Education Director, Jen Enriquez at jen@wscongo.org.

CONFIRMATION

8TH GRADERS

Confirmation is an important and ancient rite of passage in the Christian life of faith. It is a time when our young teens begin to “own” their faith and make their commitment to Christ and the Church. Throughout the year, confirmands will study basic Christian themes, history, and practices. The word confirm means to “make firmer and stronger,” and that is what we hope will happen in our confirmands’ faith through this process, undertaken with their peers and supported by parents.

The classes take place on Sundays in the Youth Room. There will be discussions, activities, service projects, field trips, and reflection to guide their formation as Christians. If you have questions, or want to get involved, please contact Hope Sabbagha at hope@wscongo.org. More details about our Confirmation program can be found here.

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JRneys JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP

Sundays at 7PM in the Education Building

JRneys (pronounced “Journeys”) is our youth group for junior high students (6th-8th grade). Aiming to strike a balance between fun and faith, the meetings alternate between playing games and exploring how faith relates to the many issues facing teens today. JRneys is open to all who wish to attend and honor the code of conduct.

Non-members are welcome, so please bring a friend along.

Come and join the fun and get to know all about our junior high youth group. Questions? Reach out to lisa@wscongo.org.

PLYMOUTH FELLOWSHIP HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP

Sundays at 7 PM

Our High School Youth Group, otherwise known as Plymouth Fellowship (PF), is for high school students (9th-12th grade). It is a place where kids can grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and serve their community in a fun and welcoming environment. Through discussions, service projects, and social events, we encourage students to ask big questions, and discover how God is at work in their lives. Whether we’re gathering for worship, engaging in small group conversations, or going on mission trips, our goal is to create a space where every student feels valued, supported, and challenged to live out their faith. All are welcome—come as you are and be part of something bigger!

Non-members are welcome, so please bring a friend along.

Questions? Reach out to Lisa McTigue at lisa@wscongo.org.

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WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS

ALL AGES

YOUTH ACOLYTE

Help to light the Christ Candle before Worship starts.

SIGN UP HERE

YOUTH READER

Help to read a simple prayer provided by the minister during worship.

SIGN UP HERE

SEE A YOUTH READER
IN ACTION

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Practice on Sunday mornings and perform in a few simple concerts during worship with the Children’s Choir – ages 1st grade through 5th grade.

Contact Lauren@wscongo.org

CHILDREN’S RINGERS

Practice on Monday afternoons and perform in a few simple concerts during worship with the Lord of the Ringers – ages 1st grade through 5th grade.

Contact KCCongdon@wscongo.org

CONGO BOYS AND GIRLS HOOPS

9TH GRADERS THROUGH 12TH GRADERS

Reach out to lisa@wscongo.org to get involved.

First Congo offers two intramural basketball teams – Boys Hoops and Girls Hoops. Both teams provide a fun and supportive environment for players to develop their basketball skills, build teamwork, and grow in character through the game.Open to all skill levels, our league emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and faith while providing a supportive environment where players can learn and compete in a positive setting. Through practices, games, and church league participation we encourage young athletes to play with integrity and support one another. Come join the team, make new friends, and enjoy the game in a way that strengthens both body and spirit!

CURIOUS KIDS, FAITHFUL ANSWERS PODCAST

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ASK A QUESTION

Curious Kids Faithful Answers is a podcast where our faith leaders answer questions from our youth. From “Does God like pancakes or waffles?” to “Why does the Bible have so many rules?”, each question is deserving of an answer and may make you wonder more about God.

This podcast is updated often so remember to follow along for updated episodes.

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YOUTH STEWARDSHIP

As part of your commitment to deepen your faith in the coming year, we’d love for you to complete the “Grow.Serve.” pledge form designed specifically for our youth to discern how they will pledge their time and talents in the coming year. Please complete the form below or download the form and mail to the church.

PRINTABLE GROW.SERVE PLEDGE FORM

Stewardship for Youth: How will you GROW.SERVE. this year?

We ask that you please complete a new form every year for each youth member of your family.

Name

First Last

Age:

Best way to communicate with YOU: (email/text/parents’ email or text):

I am:

Under 12 years of age

12 years of age and over

With the support and encouragement of the congregation and my parents, I intend to:

Children under 12 years of age:

Serve as an Acolyte (candle lighter)

Participate in the Children’s Choir (K – 5th grade)

Participate in the Lord of the Ringers (children’s handbell choir, 1st – 6th grade)

Attend Peace Camp at church

Children over 12 years of age:

Serve as a liturgist in worship (read a prayer)

Attend Confirmation classes

Teach Sunday School (must be in high school)

Attend JRneys Youth Group (6 – 8th grade)

Attend Plymouth Fellowship (high school youth group)

Interested in Girls Congo Hoops (9 – 12th grade basketball)

Interested in Boys Congo Hoops (9 – 12th grade basketball)

Practice Faith & Flow Yoga (age 13+)

Volunteer to be a worker or childcare provider during Rummage

Volunteer to help with administrative work in the church office

Serve as a Greeter before a church service

Serve as an Usher during a church service

Volunteer to help with Peace Camp

Participate in a youth Bible study

Participate in youth fellowship events (i.e. Friendsgiving, Puzzle Night)

Children of all ages:

Attend worship regularly, in person or virtually

Attend Sunday School

Pray with my family

Check out books from the Kemper Library

Volunteer to help with campus clean-up outdoors, especially after storms

Volunteer to help with Green Team efforts

Donate canned goods to our Food Pantry cart

Help with Curious Kids podcast

Take pictures at church for our library of images

Collaborate with the Congo Connection Team to contribute to the magazine

Have a conversation with Pastors Chrissy or Meredith

Help water the outdoor potted plants

Volunteer to share my musical talents in worship (i.e., sing, play an instrument, etc.):

My musical gift(s):

Any additional gifts to share:

PARENTS OF TEENS

Parenting can be one of life’s greatest gifts, and it also comes with challenges. If you are currently a parent of a teen, you may wish to receive periodic articles, resources, and prayers from our Pastoral Care team. To sign up, simply email Meredith Onion.

EMAIL MEREDITH

KEMPER LIBRARY RESOURCES

The Kemper Library is a collection of resources for adults, young adults, and children that fosters relational reconciliation, encourages faith formation, invites personal healing, and nurtures a vision of God’s peace and wholeness. The library is carefully cataloged and maintained by the members of the Kemper Library Committee.

The space was formerly the late Rev. Dr. Robert Kemper’s pastoral study and is presently the meeting location for many church meetings and small group gatherings. A beautiful stencil of Bob’s beloved benediction is painted along the walls: 

God go with you
May he walk where you walk
Guide where you must make choices
Comfort where you hurt
And surprise you by his continued love for you
And what you are
And what you do.
Amen.

Please stop by, peruse the shelves, and check out a book or two for your spiritual journey.

For the complete inventory of books, click the button below:

INVENTORY OF BOOKS RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR ALL AGES