Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church

During baptism, the MAPC community joins parents in making the pledge to raise our children in the knowledge and love of God. We promise our new brother or sister in Christ that we will tell them the good news of the Gospel, help them know all that Christ commands, and work to strengthen their ties with the whole people of God. We honor these promises by offering programs that encourage and enable our young people to participate fully in the life of our church, through worship, education, and fellowship.

Worship

We encourage children to share in the worship experience together with their families from life’s start, but recognize the difficulty for children to appreciate the worship service at a young age. To that end, every Sunday morning worship service includes a special Lesson for Young Christians, and children ages 3 to 8 are escorted out of the Sanctuary during part of the main worship service for their own worship lesson. This worship lesson is designed specifically to teach them about worship and prepare children to participate more fully in the main service when they are older. After the worship lesson, the children return to their families in the Sanctuary and those who are baptized are invited to participate in Communion during the worship service.

Biblical and Theological Education

MAPC is strongly committed to providing a solid theological and Biblical foundation for our children. Christian Education begins in our Nursery with simple Bible stories and songs, and as children grow up they are presented with a variety of options tailored to their developmental needs. These programs include:

• Church School, Sundays, 10:10 am, 5th Floor
• Kids’ Club on Wednesday afternoons
• Wee Kids on Monday afternoons
• Youth Bible Study, Sundays, 10:10 am, Room 603
• Confirmation Classes

Fellowship and Community

As we welcome children and youth into our community, we believe it is vital to teach them the church community is a safe place where strong supportive friends and pastors can be found, and where we can come together to make a difference in our world. Through recreation, fellowship, special meals and outreach programs, we aim to foster love and a sense of responsibility for each other. Some of our regularly scheduled and seasonal programs include:

• Church Family Night
• Families with Young Children
• Christmas Pageant
• Easter Egg Hunt and Party

Youth Bible Study and Fellowship

Sundays at 10:10 am, 6th Floor

This Bible study program for Junior and Senior High students is open to all members of the community on Sunday mornings between our two morning worship services. Students enjoy a snack and a brief time of fellowship before studying one of the lectionary texts for the day. Other fellowship and community outreach events are held periodically throughout the academic year, including special trips to Six Flags or skiing, with other youth groups in area churches.

Each spring, the youth are invited by Session to lead worship. Youth Sunday involves our young people in preparation of all aspects of the worship service, including preaching, writing and leading prayers, selecting hymns, and serving Communion.

Confirmation Classes

By arrangement with the Director of Christian Education & Discipleship

This special period of study prepares students to make personal professions of faith and accept responsibility in the life of the church. Confirmands study the creeds and the catechisms, as well as learn about the history and practices of the church. Typically, one class of Confirmands is arranged per academic year, so please contact the Director of Christian Education & Discipleship as soon as possible if you are interested in arranging for your child to be part of a confirmation class.