Programs for Children & Youth

At Fourth Presbyterian Church, children and youth are not an add-on to the life of the church. They are part of its heart. We believe that because God comes into human life in Jesus, every stage of life is holy and worthy of care, curiosity, and joy.

Our ministry with children and youth is shaped by that conviction. We trust that God is already present in kids’ questions, imaginations, friendships, fears, and hopes. Rather than rushing them toward answers, we make space for wonder, honesty, play, and growth. We want young people to know they are loved as they are, taken seriously, and invited into a faith that can hold both joy and doubt.

Scroll below to learn more about Children’s and Youth Ministry at Fourth.

Keeping Our Kids Safe

Below you will find Fourth’s Children and Youth Safety Policy as well as a resource directory for local organizations that support kids, youth, and families facing abuse.

Children & Youth Safety PolicyChildren Abuse Resource Directory

Sunday School

Sundays at 9:30am – 10:30am

Sunday School at Fourth is a shared time of learning and connection for all ages. Children, youth, and adults gather in age-appropriate spaces to explore the stories of faith, ask honest questions, and grow together through conversation, creativity, and prayer. It is a welcoming place for curiosity and reflection, where ancient stories are engaged with care and connected to real life today.

For ages 2 to 11

Ages 2 to 11 meet with Janine and Hank in the fellowship hall.

9:30-9:45
Gather, color, and check in

9:45
Read a Bible story, story from history, or another story with an important lesson

10:00
Do a craft project or other activity related to the story or lesson for the week

10:25

Clean up and head to big church

Confirmation class

Ages 12-18 with meet with Pastor Burns in the Narthex

Confirmation class provides a chance to check in with Pastor Burns and one another, learn more about what it means to be a Christian, pray together, and discern whether they would like to become official members of Fourth Presbyterian Church. This time creates space for connection, trust, and reflection, helping the group ground their conversations and questions in community and faith.

Kids’ Church

Sundays at 10:30am – 12:00pm

Kids’ Church welcomes our youngest members as part of the worshiping community while offering space for age-appropriate learning and play. Children begin in the sanctuary with their families, then move to a nearby space for stories, songs, and activities before returning at the end of worship so families can gather together again.

Check out what a typical morning at Kids' Church is like

10:30am
Worship begins; children join the congregation in the sanctuary.

11:15am (ish)
After we sing, pass the peace, offer confession, and enjoy the moment for children, children are invited to go into the fellowship hall adjoining the sanctuary for a story, song, activity, and free play. (They are welcome to stay with their family in the sanctuary if they prefer.)

12:00pm (ish)
Children return to the sanctuary for the final pieces of the worship service, including communion or other special elements.

Youth Group

2nd Sundays at 3:00-5:00pm

Fourth’s Youth Group is a welcoming space for middle and high school students to build friendships, share meals, have fun, and engage faith in honest and meaningful ways. Each gathering blends community, play, and conversation, creating room for laughter alongside thoughtful reflection. Youth are encouraged to bring their full selves, their questions, and their curiosity, whether or not they are part of Fourth’s Sunday worship.

Check out what a typical evening at youth group is like

3:00pm
Gather and check in

3:15pm
Games or other activities (different activities every month!)

3:45pm
Christian education (break up into groups based on age and discuss the topic for the month)

4:30pm
Eat dinner (usually provided by one of our youth’s family)

5:00 pm
Dismissal