However you define family, you are welcome to join ours.

At First Church Brooklyn, we work together with children, youth, and families to discover and deepen their faith in creative, thoughtful, and playful ways. Everyone is invited to work together to know God, love God, and serve God.

The guiding values of the CYF ministry at First Church Brooklyn are Community, Family, Kindness and Love. Through engaging and interdisciplinary programs for all ages, First Church Brooklyn strives to:

• Foster community and build relationships across cultural and generational lines
• Empower parents to create space for spiritual growth at church and at home
• Provide opportunities for young people, and people of all ages to learn spiritual practices, wrestle with big questions, and understand their identities as children of God

Nursery and Child care

Sundays 9am-1pm

First Church is committed to providing a safe, playful, and nurturing environment for infants and children up to 4 years of age. Child care providers undergo a background check and are trained in safe church policies, First Aid/CPR, and gentle caregiving practices. In addition, child care providers are interactive and engaging with our little ones. Toddlers and children are invited to participate in Kids’ Church (described below). Child Caregivers are also available during some regular meetings and special events at the church.

The nursery is located upstairs to the right, just before the entrance to the Elliot Room. Parents and caregivers can expect to find diapers, wipes, a changing table, and a nursery glider. There are diaper changing tables in the bathrooms located on the first floor, one near the door to the Peace Garden, and the other at the end of the long hallway.

Kid’s Church

Organized and led by CYF Committee

Sundays during service, after the “Passing of the Peace” (approx. 11:15-12:15)

First Church Brooklyn’s intergenerational ministry offers an engaging, creative, interactive approach to faith. Kids Church provides an opportunity for children and people of all ages to sing, pray, be creative, move, and learn together. We tell stories from the Bible, read Scripture, say the Lord’s Prayer. We also provide opportunities to create art and write our prayers for our Prayer Wall. Kids’ Church has children who participate in leading the activities, and sometimes act out the stories. Parents are also welcome and add to the discussion of the scriptures and Bible stories.

Kids’ Church takes place every Sunday, except the first Sunday of each month, when children and young people can be with their family in service in the sanctuary for communion. Kids’ Church is for kids, and everyone.

Youth Group

Organized and led by: Amy Neuner

All First Church Brooklyn youth, grades 4 and up, meet monthly to enjoy food, fellowship, music, and conversation together. This space is one that encourages our kids to be themselves in a safe, supportive, and inviting environment. Minister of Music and Family Program Director, Amy Neuner, has been a high school teacher for 31 years and welcomes the opportunity to meet kids where they are. The goal of the group is to form a deeper understanding of who we are in relationship to ourselves, our peers, our families, and God.  Amy regularly invites other young adults to attend, which builds bonds with other members of our community.  Young people also participate in additional service projects, internships in church, social outings, and retreats during the year.

Coming in 2024!  The building of a Youth Gospel Choir ⭐️ If you would like to be a part of the planning and outreach team, please contact the church office at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org.

Confirmation is offered bi-annually when there is a critical mass of kids ages 11-14. The next expected confirmation class is expected in Fall 2024.

Intergenerational Worship All Together in the Sanctuary

First Sunday of Every Month

When children and adults worship together, children learn that church is part of a person’s spiritual health and formation. Using story, song, and prayer, First Church Brooklyn engages in intentionally intergenerational worship specifically designed for the accessibility and enrichment of all ages. These worships are created in collaboration with the worship and the arts team, and often engages young people as worship leaders.

Retreats

Our Annual Family Retreat is held in early summer. Check the calendar for details. These Retreats offer our families an opportunity to hike, sing, study, break bread, and get to know each other and deepen our faith together. It is also a chance for families to have time together away from New York City and work together to support our Church young people.

Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering as an adult teacher, CYF committee member, or chaperone, email the church at info@firstchurchbrooklyn.org. All adult volunteers who will be leading young people alone are required to undergo a background check and attend a brief consent and boundaries training.