Family Ministries:
Christian Ed for All Ages

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Matthew 19:14

Welcome to our Family Ministry!

Faith formation happens within families, so our approach to Christian Education includes the whole family, infants through seniors. We hope to walk alongside you, no matter where you are on the journey of faith and life. We invite everyone to be part of any or all of our programs described below.

 

CLICK HERE to Register for any or all of our Family Ministry Programs.

 

Sunday School

We have Sunday School for all ages from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. weekly from September 15, 2024 to June 8, 2025.  The Grace Class with Daune Arsnow  for preschool to first graders uses Growing in Grace and Gratitude curriculum and includes Cherub Choir directed by Jo D. Andrews.  Younger children are most welcome to join the Grace Class weekly with a parent/caregiver.   The Hope Class with Patrick Lovaglio is designed for second through fifth graders and includes bell ringing.  The Word Class with Michael Lovaglio is for Middle and High School Students.  The Word Class is studying the Gospel of Matthew.  Youth are also invited to join our Confirmation Class when it is held.  Please contact our Director of Youth Ministry, Mr. Michael Lovaglio, at (631) 747-1409 or at Michael@cranburypres.org for more information about Confirmation.

Youth Group

Middle and High school age youth meet weekly for mission, learning and fellowship opportunities including:

  • Bagging and distribution of groceries for our church’s food pantry;
  • Maintaining a school supply closet and a Christmas toy closet for families in need;
  • Summer mission trips;
  • Fundraising for school supplies, Christmas toys, and mission trips;
  • Gathering for multi-church youth group events;
  • Hosting movie nights with refreshments;
  • Assistance with the college application process; and
  • Help with community projects underwritten by the Helene Cody Foundation.

 

Jr. Youth Group

Join us for Jr. Youth Group each month for faith, fun and fellowship!  Jr. Youth Group is designed for 2nd to 5th graders.  And our kindergarten to first grade friends are most welcome to join us with their family.  All events are free of charge.

God and Me Playgroup

God and Me playgroup is a weekly program for infants and young children and their caregivers. This group shares fellowship via group texts as we support one another in the often-isolating season of parenting young children. We gather for coffee & munchkin park playdates each week, and parent-child yoga classes twice a month, and show up for one another however and whenever we can.

 

 

Children and Youth Participation in Worship

We welcome children and youth to be active participants in our weekly worship service.  Children and Youth have the opportunity to serve as lay readers, ushers and acolytes, and members of choirs, chorales and ensembles!  There is an interactive Children’s Message during the worship service.  There are worship bags for families to use during worship.  Childcare is also available in the nursery during the worship service.  Our Worship Service is also available virtually on our Facebook page.

Children's Choir

Our Children's Choir, "The Cherubs", sing once a month during our Worship Service. The Children's Choir Director is Jo D. Andrews. The Children's Choir sings all kinds of music from around the world; one and two part sacred anthems, old favorite hymns, gospel, folk, and even some of their favorites from the music they all loved at Vacation Bible School.  For more information contact the church office at firstpresoffice@comcast.net.  Parents can register their child for the Cherub Choir using this link.

 

Youth Chorale and Youth Jazz Ensemble

Click Here to register your child for youth jazz ensemble and youth chorale!  Please contact our Director of Children and Youth Choirs, Mrs. Jo D. Andrews, at (917) 847-1782 for more information.

 

Vacation Bible School

Thank you to all the families that participated in Seekers and Sneakers VBS last July!  It was a fantastic week!  Check back here in the Spring for more information on VBS 2025!

Adult Ed

Join us each Friday for Adult Bible study with Pastor Hannah.  Those who wish may stay for a light lunch.  Our grief support group meets every 4th Thursday of the month.  Contact Pastor Hannah at (609) 395-0897 for more information.  Our Men's Bible study led by Michael Lovaglio meets every 4th Wednesday of the month.

Annual Adult Retreat 

We take an annual adult retreat each Spring. This retreat time is set aside to enjoy peaceful surroundings and good company while deepening your faith along with others from our church family. Check back in the Spring for more information.

Child Youth and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy

The First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury Child Youth and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy was approved by Session to establish a proactive policy to maintain a safe environment for children, youth, and adults at activities sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury.