Faith Formation for Children and Youth

Welcome to First Church’s Youth and Children’s Programs!

Registration for Fall 2024-25 is open!

Cora posing in front a list of things about church that are good to keep, made by the 3rd-5th grade class as part of a lesson about Martin Luther and his 95 Theses which led to the Protestant Reformation. 10.27.24.

Click image to enlarge

Dear Parents,

Our children are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” They are lively and talented, funny and compassionate and smart.

But where do they nurture their spirits, or their faith? Places and events that nourish our spirits are hard to find. Where can they interact with people who will share the wisdom they’ve gained through years of living, conflict, sorrow — people who welcome them and love them just for who they are?

Sports teach strategy, strength and confidence. Music teaches collaboration and self-confidence. Academics stretch our minds. All of these are good and necessary for the growth of any human being, but they don’t nurture our spiritual life – and that is not their goal.

Where can you stretch your soul? Where can children build inner faith and confidence that will carry them through times of sadness or conflict? What places or programs exist only to nurture the spirit?

At First Church West Hartford, we walk together on our faith journeys, and God’s spirit shines out through prayer and discussion. Here, children are cherished, and parents find an understanding nod and smile.

We offer church school programming that reaches each of our children at their developmental levels and appeals to a variety of learning styles. Interwoven into our shared time together are discussions around practicing generosity, seeking justice, and radical hospitality. During the academic year, the first Sunday of each month is set aside for an All-Ages Worship service in place of church school to engage the sacraments and traditions of our church in new ways together.

Join Our Sunday School Team

As we continue to nurture the spiritual growth of our children, we are excited to invite you to contribute your unique talents and gifts to our Sunday School team. Whether you have a passion for teaching, storytelling, arts and crafts, or simply a love for working with children, your involvement can significantly shape their faith and understanding of the world. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to learn more, please contact Amanda Bethune, faith.formation@whfirstchurch.org. We would love to hear from you!

New Class for Grade 6 and Up 

Michael Protos is leading a new class for 6th Grade and higher.

Acolytes – We need more children

Church acolytes play an important role in our Sunday services. Children will be lighting the candles before worship as well as putting the candles out to conclude the service. This can be a meaningful way for our children to serve their faith community. If your child is interested in helping out, please see or email Amanda Bethune at Faith.Formation@whfirstchurch.org

All parents and guardians planning to enroll their children (ages 3-17) in the Sunday School, Confirmation, or Youth programs are asked to register their students online by clicking button above.