Children and Youth Education

Children’s and Youth Christian Education at University Presbyterian Church

Nurturing Faith for Young Hearts and Minds

At University Presbyterian Church (UPC), we are dedicated to fostering the spiritual growth of our children and youth in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment. Our Christian Education program, held on Sunday mornings during the school year, is designed to help young people from Pre-K through high school explore their faith, build community, and discover their role in the church and the world. Using the dynamic Follow Me curriculum, our classes combine interactive lessons, creative activities, and meaningful discussions to make faith come alive for every age group.

Sunday Christian Education Classes

Our Christian Education classes meet every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. during the school year, led by two trained and background-checked adult leaders who create a nurturing and welcoming space. Each class is tailored to the developmental needs of its age group, ensuring an age-appropriate and engaging experience. Here’s where our classes meet:

Pre-K to 1st Grade: Room 104
2nd to 5th Grade: Room 205
Middle School (6th to 8th Grade): Room
High School (9th to 12th Grade): Room

The Follow Me Curriculum

Our classes use the Follow Me curriculum, a dynamic and interactive program that helps children and youth grow in their faith through:

Videos: Engaging multimedia content that brings Bible stories and Christian teachings to life.
Art Projects: Creative activities that allow students to express their faith and connect with lessons in hands-on ways.
Conversations: Guided discussions about life in the church, spiritual practices, and how to live out faith in the world.
Practical Faith Practices: Lessons on prayer, service, worship, and community, tailored to each age group to encourage lifelong spiritual habits.

Our goal is to create a fun, inclusive environment where young people can ask questions, explore their beliefs, and feel supported by their peers and leaders. Whether it’s crafting a project, sharing thoughts on a Bible story, or learning how to serve others, our classes inspire children and youth to grow closer to God and one another.

Joining Worship After Christian Education

After Christian Education, everyone is invited to join our vibrant worship service in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. (fall and spring) or 10:00 a.m. (summer). Worship is a meaningful opportunity for children, youth, and families to come together as a community, celebrating faith through inspiring music, thoughtful sermons, and shared prayer. Children and youth are encouraged to participate actively, whether by reading scripture, sharing their talents, or simply being part of the congregation. Our services are designed to be engaging and welcoming for all ages, fostering a sense of belonging in our church family.

A Safe and Accessible Environment

At UPC, we prioritize the safety and inclusion of all participants. Our Christian Education leaders are carefully screened and trained to ensure a secure environment, and our facilities are fully accessible, featuring:

A handicap-accessible ramp on the side of the sanctuary and behind the church.
An elevator to access all floors.
Designated handicap parking on all sides of the building.

We also offer nursery care for newborns through kindergarten during Christian Education and worship, allowing parents to participate with peace of mind.

Additional Opportunities for Children and Youth

Beyond Sunday Christian Education, UPC offers a range of programs to nurture the faith and community of our young people:

Children’s Worship Participation: Children often take part in our worship services, including special events like Christian Education Sunday at the end of the school year, where they contribute to the liturgy through prayers, readings, or creative presentations.
Youth Group: Middle and high school students can join our Sunday afternoon Youth Group for fellowship, service, and faith-based discussions. Learn more on our Youth Ministry page.
Confirmation Program: Offered periodically for 8th and 9th graders, this program helps youth explore their faith and consider church membership. Contact our church office at [insert contact info] for details.
Service and Fellowship: From mission projects to fun outings, children and youth are invited to serve and connect through age-appropriate activities.

Get Involved!

We warmly invite families to join our Children’s and Youth Christian Education programs.

At UPC, we’re committed to helping children and youth grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and find their place in our church community. Join us for a Sunday of learning, worship, and connection—we can’t wait to welcome your family!