We live as disciples of King Jesus to make the magnificent truth, beauty, and goodness of Jesus and His Gospel known to our kids from Nursery through 5th grade so that God would be glorified in Chattanooga and to the ends of the earth and so that lives would be transformed by His great power.

The Children’s Ministry is located in the Children’s Wing with the oldest Nursery children and Preschool together in one hallway, and the Elementary on two floors above the main Nursery. Signs mark the various places in the Nursery and Children’s Ministry.

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Children’s Church is available during the worship services.  This ministry is for children ages PreK (4 years old by August 15th) through 1st grade.  It introduces children to elements of the main worship services as well as provides kids an opportunity to grow in friendship and fellowship with one another.  During the greeting time in the worship services, parents/guardians will be able to take their PreK-1st graders to Children's Church.  Parents/guardians, when kids are dismissed, you will first check them in down the hall from the PreK-K, next to the elevator.  Check-in is required.  Once checked in, you will walk them to the Pre-K-K department. Pick-up is right after the worship services are over unless your child is going to Sunday School (a staff will talk them to Sunday School where you will pick them up at 11:30).  A parent must accompany their child to Children’s Church and pick up their children immediately following the worship service unless they are attending Sunday School.  If your child is a part of Children's Church, we will be contacting you to assist on a regular basis as volunteers are needed.
Worship is for our children too!  Children of whatever age are welcome in the worship services.  If you are interested in bringing your children to worship but have questions about what that looks like or need some help, please reach out to Emily Brelsford.  Worship bags are available on Sundays at the entrances to the services.  They include a sucker, activity sheets that coordinate with the sermons, crayons, pencils, and lacing cards.  Please place any bags that your children have used in a “Used Bags” bin at the end of the services.
Communicants Class

This class will introduce your child to the basics of Christianity, inviting them to make a confession of faith and, upon examination by our elders, join the church and be welcomed to take communion. We find that the materials and process are most appropriate for children 4th grade and older. We try to offer these classes every 2 years.

Operation Christmas Child Ministry

We invite children to participate in a packing party at Midweek during the fall.  

Mission Vision

Our children’s missions conference coincides with the 1st Pres Annual World Missions Conference for adults.  

Vacation Bible School

Say yes to VBS! We just love VBS at 1st Pres! Join us in the summertime for this children's ministry event and be sure to invite someone!  

Sunday School Small Group Events

Our Sunday School departments plan gatherings for each age group: Nursery, PreK-K, 1st-3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade.

 

We make it our top priority in Kids’ Ministry to provide a safe environment for kids.  Besides sharing Jesus with your children, our main goal is to be good stewards of them.  We regularly revisit our policies and procedures to ensure this.  Your children are in good hands!  All youth and adults serving in this ministry are required to have a current background check.  Additionally, child protection training and familiarity with and adherence to our church’s child protection policy are required of all.  New volunteers and staff must complete an application process that includes providing references.  Another critical component of child safety is our KidCheck child check-in and out system.  You can create a KidCheck account HERE.

Check-in stations are located all throughout the Children's Wing: the Nursery, the PreK-K hallway, the 1st-3rd grade department, and the 4th-5th grade department.  Wherever you check in your child, please make sure you walk them to their destination after check-in. Thanks!

The health of the ministry is very important to us. We ask that all parents/guardians whose children are joining us answer the following question each time they check in on their children: "Has your child experienced any symptoms of illness in the last 48 hours (such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or discolored nasal discharge, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)?" If you are unable to answer, “No” to this question for your children, we ask that you wait to join us until you are able to do so.  

Please follow the most up-to-date health policies for kids’ ministry by reading the weekly 1st Pres Kids email. Sign up to get our weekly emails HERE.

Meet the 1st Pres Kids Ministry Team

Emily Brelsford -  Kids Ministry Director
I grew up 20 minutes North of Nashville in Hendersonville, TN. I fell in love with Chattanooga and my husband, David, while attending UTC. We have the sweetest rescue pup, Merlin. I am the happiest when spending time with family and friends, or at the beach. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and taking care of my house plants. I graduated with a degree in education. I left my classroom teaching position and found my calling in Kids Ministry. I have served kids and families for the last three years. I have a passion for working with children and love creating spaces where children can learn about the love of Jesus.

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Grace Odell -  Nursery administrative coordinator
Grace joined 1st Pres' Nursery staff back in 2016 originally as nursery staff, then as Classroom Coordinator, and now as the Nursery Administrative Coordinator in 2022. She graduated from UT Chattanooga with a degree in Marketing. She has loved watching 1st Pres grow over the years. In her free time, she enjoys teaching ESL, playing pickelball, and babysitting.

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TRacey Skillman - Nursery Co-Coordinator
Tracey Skillman is one of the Nursery Co-Coordinators at 1st Pres, with a specialty in Christian Education. She moved to Tennessee in 1993 for her husband Jeff to pursue his Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology. They had the privilege of homeschooling their four daughters for 26 years, their last one graduated high school in 2020. Tracey's passion is teaching children the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the earliest of ages. She is humbled to be part of the team at 1st Presbyterian Church and to partner with parents in their spiritual development of their children. She cannot wait to build relationships with each of the families.

Interested in serving in the kids' ministry?

Whether it's volunteering in the Nursery, with the Pre-K-Kindergarten classes, or with the Primary and Junior Ministry, there is a place for you to serve!

Sign up to volunteer!