Children’s Ministry
About
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. We baptize people when they are babies, children, or adults. If you would like to have your child baptized here, there are a few things you should know. We believe that baptism is a ritual of welcome. Since babies are born into God’s blessing, we do not baptize them thinking it will spare them some eternal damnation. The God we worship wouldn’t do that. Baptism at First United acknowledges God’s love for the one being baptized and their church community’s love for them as well. Baptism at First United includes a covenant between the one being baptized and the congregation. Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered.
Our Promises
This covenant is read by the gathered community at every baptism that takes place at First United Church of Oak Park:
In this act of surpassing grace, we witness the power of God. In baptism, we become newly aware of God’s abundant love and mercy. God calls each of us wherever we are, whoever we are, to share in the joy of God’s presence in a community of faith. As people who strive to follow Jesus Christ more closely each day, we welcome you, (name of the one being baptized), to our common journey. Trusting God, we offer you our support and care.
Your Promises
When the one being baptized is a baby or young child, the parents are asked the following questions:
• Do you desire to have you children baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ?
• Relying on God’s grace, do you promise to live the Christian faith, and to teach this faith to your children?
• Do you, the parent(s) and godparent(s), promise, with the help of God, to be followers of God, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of the Holy as best you are able?
Schedule a Baptism
Because baptism is a ritual of welcome into the church and the community makes promises to the child, we typically baptize children of members of the church or of those who are actively involved in the community.
To schedule a baptism, please speak to one of our pastors.
Our nursery is available for children age 5 and under and is located in room 15. If you need help finding it, you can always ask for directions at the welcome desk in the lounge. Our nursery workers are a caring and dedicated team who will take your emergency contact information and any important information about your child when you arrive. After that, you are free to enjoy your Sunday! You deserve a moment to recharge your spiritual battery!
From the Sunday after Labor Day to the Sunday before Memorial Day, our nursery is open from 9:30am-12:15pm.
From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Weekend, our nursery is open from 9:45-11:15.
Children are always welcome to stay with you in the worship service. For more information about children in worship, click here.
What happens at Church School?
We tell stories of the Bible using a lens of love and justice. We provide opportunities for students to find a sense of belonging. We have fun!
A typical session includes:
• Music and movement.
• A Bible story and time to wonder about what it could mean (there’s no one right answer!).
• Games or crafts.
• Sharing joys and concerns.
• Giving to a mission partner (Housing Forward, Beyond Hunger, Housing Forward, or Lighthouse Foundation) or participating in a service project.
Classes:
• Nursery Care (birth-age 3)
• Preschool (3 by 9/1-pre-k)
• Kindergarten-2nd Grade
• 3rd-5th Grade
• Middle School
Church School September through May from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. To find out more, contact Lydia Mulkey, Associate Pastor (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com), 708-386-5215 (ext. 103).
Use the button to register your child(ren) for Church School.
We hold all kinds of special events throughout the year! Here are some examples:
• Parents’ Night Out
• The Advent Event (a Saturday morning of craft stations and fun to prepare our hearts for Christmas)
• Messy Church School (paint, slime, playdough and more one Sunday a year)
• Stay and Play (water play on the church lawn after a summer church service)
• Family Movie Night Events are announced through the bulletin, the monthly newsletter (Messenger Bell), and email.
Contact Pastor Lydia if you’d like to know more.
Coming Soon!
First United Church Nursery School provides a literacy-rich, play-based curriculum that supports children's curiosity, creativity, initiative, and confidence. Visit the FUNS website for more information.