From the nursery to 12th grade, there’s a place for every child at First Pres.
At First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, children and students aren’t a program to manage — they’re the church right now. From the moment a baby is brought to the nursery on a Sunday morning to the Sunday an eighth grader stands up to confirm their faith, this congregation is paying attention and showing up.
The goal is simple: every child knowing that God loves them deeply, just as they are, and discovering what it looks like to let that love change the way they live.
FPC Kids is First Presbyterian’s children’s ministry for nursery through 5th grade. It runs on Sunday mornings and extends into weekday choir rehearsals, seasonal events, and at-home resources parents can use to keep the conversation going.
Ages: Birth through 2 years
Location: Room P311
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The nursery is open every Sunday, staffed by professionally trained caregivers who know that the earliest years matter. Babies and toddlers are safe, loved, and cared for while their families worship. When children turn three, they’re invited to join Sunday School and First Church.
Ages: 3 years through 5th grade
Location: Check-in in the gym
Time: Sundays, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School is where kids engage with Bible stories, crafts, songs, and hands-on activities rooted in the Reformed tradition. Children gather in the gym at 9:45 and are escorted to their classrooms at 10. Pick-up is back in the gym at 10:45.
For check-in, a parent or guardian must be present. Each child receives a two-part security sticker: one half stays with the child, and the matching tag must be presented at pick-up. Only adults with the matching sticker will be allowed to pick up.
Ages: 3 years through 1st grade
Location: Begins in the Sanctuary
Time: During the 11 a.m. service
Children are always welcome to stay in worship with their families. During the 11 a.m. service, a Time for Children happens in the Sanctuary. Afterward, children ages 3 through 1st grade are invited to leave with a leader for First Church, a simplified worship experience where they help lead, hear Scripture, and engage in an activity that brings the day’s story to life. Children rejoin their families during the final hymn.
Children’s Choir gives kids a chance to learn music, build friendships, and lead the congregation in worship. Every voice is welcome.
No music reading experience is required for any of these groups.
Wednesday evenings, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. | Room P307
Sunday evenings, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. | Room P119
Sunday evenings, 6:45 to 7:05 p.m. | Room P114
First Pres Youth is where 6th through 12th graders belong. The kind of belonging where students can ask hard questions, serve their city, and discover that Jesus is worth following not just on Sunday but in every part of life.
Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian offers space to grow through fellowship, Bible study, small group conversations, and service. Every student is welcome, and every student is beloved.
Sunday mornings start with breakfast, coffee or hot chocolate, and real conversation. Middle and high school students gather to read Scripture together, ask questions, and figure out what following Jesus actually looks like.
Youth Group nights include dinner, games, Bible study, and space for the kind of conversations that don’t happen in the middle of a worship service. Mission opportunities are woven in throughout the year.
Confirmation is the season when 8th graders explore their faith, ask the questions they’ve been saving up, and decide for themselves what it means to follow Jesus as a Presbyterian. Each student is paired with a Confirmation Sponsor — an adult from the congregation, outside their family — to walk the journey alongside them.
Our youth work during the school year to provide service and ministry locally. In the summer, middle school youth serve the local community, and high school youth spend a week serving domestically or internationally.
Students who love music have a dedicated place in the life of First Presbyterian’s worship.
A handbell ensemble for middle and high school ringers. Ivey Ringers rehearse weekly and lead in worship throughout the year. Advanced repertoire, weekend ministry tours, and summer travel opportunities are part of this ensemble’s life together.
All skill levels welcome. Students use their voices to lead worship, build friendships, and deepen their faith. Youth Choir participates in ministry tours and special programs throughout the year.
First Presbyterian is home to two early childhood programs that serve families across Charlotte, welcoming children from 8 weeks through 5 years old.
Programs operate on the First Presbyterian campus, serve families of all backgrounds, and reflect the church’s commitment to caring well for the youngest members of the community.
FPC Child Development Center operates year-round and enrolls children from 8 weeks to 5 years. Teachers guide children through purposeful play, language and literacy, and social-emotional development in a nurturing, faith-shaped environment. Led by Kelly Deal.
FPC Weekday School runs September through May, 9:05 a.m. to 1 p.m., and enrolls children 12 months through 5 years. The WDS focuses on play as the work of young children, building language, critical thinking, and a sense of belonging. Led by Lauren McCrory.
Whether your child is eight weeks old or a high school junior, this community is glad to have them. Jesus loves children with a specific and particular love, and this congregation tries to mean it when it says the same.
