Nursery Care

The nursery, located off the hall adjoining the Worship Sanctuary, is staffed by a trained, experienced provider from 9:15 to 11:15 every Sunday morning.  Children up to age 4 are welcome.

Confirmation

Teenagers may explore membership in the church through a Confirmation program, offered by our Pastor-Teacher and C. E. Director.  Confirmation is held as needed, and includes mentoring, learning, service, and engaging in church life. 

Family Events

Seasonal activities for kids and adults including a Halloween Party, Winter Fun, an Earth Day Gathering, and a Talent Show.

Parent-Child Playgroup

The play group meets on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:30am during the school year. It is open to parents and caretakers and their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. No registration is necessary, just come and join the fun!

Vacation Bible School

The West Springfield Parish Association sponsors a free ecumenical Christian day camp at First Congregational Church.  It is held the first full week of August each summer, from 9:00 am-12:30 pm.  Children learn music, do crafts, and work on an outreach project to benefit Church World Service.  It is open to all children in the community.

    Christian Education                          

Church School for Adults, 9:15 am

Church School for Children Classes start after the Offertory during 10 am Worship

Ages and Classrooms: 

Sparrows, pre-school – K, are in large classroom off Parish Hall

Grasshoppers, grades 1 - 3 are in smaller classroom off Parish Hall

Badgers, grades 4 - 6, are in room upstairs, above Parish Hall

Eagles are teenagers and adults, in Parish Hall

Children in Worship

Women's Spirituality Group

Meets the fourth Friday of the month at 6:30 PM. All welcome.

Youth and Children in Worship

Beginning in Grade 4, children may serve as acolytes, lighting the altar candles and ringing the church bell.  Children of all ages help out as greeters and readers.

Music in worship encourages children and youth to participate in many ways.  They are given the opportunity to learn different styles of praise songs and play a variety of rhythm instruments.  They may participate in rhythm and bell choirs, or join in with sacred dance.  Those who play musical instruments are invited to play for special services.

Safe Church Policy

Our policy was adopted in 2006, with the purpose of protecting children, staff, and volunteers and to give children and youth a safe environment to develop their faith as Christians.  It provides guidelines for staff and volunteers who work with children and youth, both within our congregation and outside groups who meet in the building.  It includes procedures to report suspected neglect and abuse.  A full text of the policy is available in the church office, and is distributed to those who have regular contact with children and youth at the church.

Please contact Diana Forfa, Christian Education Director, at the church with any questions.  Call 413.734.7667, or email at fccedirector@yahoo.com