Kids

Meet the babies: Maybe it’s something in the water; First Covenant has recently been blessed with a bumper crop of absolutely beautiful babies and toddlers. More workers are needed for us to continue offering the care and hospitality of nursery every Sunday. Would you consider giving a little time?  We need men, women, college students, and youth (14+). Typical participation is just one Sunday of service every 6-8 weeks. You choose the timeframe: First Hour (9 a.m.) or Second Hour (10 a.m.). The schedule is being compiled right now. Contact Pastor Kyliah via e-mail () or in person in the Gym during Third Hour (11:30 a.m.).  

 

Children are integral to the life of our community. They bring energy into a dull room, calling attention to the cool stuff in life—things like cookies, bugs, and shoes that flash. They have insights that knock adults back in their chairs!

At First Covenant, we aim to help kids experience God in prayer and action. It is so much fun to discover God through kids. Everyone learns.

Of course, parents are the primary sources of spiritual formation in their child’s life—and that can be intimidating! Our goal is to support families with encouragement, resources, key relationships, and practical and positive experiences.

Sunday fun

Our teacher/caregiver team includes teens, adults, and seniors who want to invest their time in the lives of children. We truly want to provide the very best age-appropriate care, fun, and learning for your child. 


Nursery

We provide nurturing care and room to explore for babies and toddlers through age two.


3-PRE K

Come to “Shoots and Sprouts”! Each Sunday during the sermon, young children spend an hour with enthusiastic and caring teachers. They learn about the world and God’s love through Bible stories…sing with gusto...pray…and enjoy playtime. Children learn best when they’re having fun!



GRADES K-5

Every Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month when children are invited to participate in communion), children in grades K-5 meet for “Vine Time” (room 252), which includes fun games, Bible lessons, and activities with their peers. 

Life-journey conversations

Are you looking for insight and conversation about your goals…life…future…or issues related to parenting? Pastor of Children & Families Kyliah Clarke Villa is available to talk one-on-one. This is an informal opportunity to process questions, make plans, or just talk. Set up an appointment at your convenience.

Multi-generational events

Kids thrive when given opportunities to form meaningful relationships across the generations, so we offer monthly multi-generational fun—game nights, Valentine’s Day cookie-decorating, outreach, and service events. Your family, friends and neighbors can serve, learn, and have fun together.

Camping and retreat experiences

Each summer, kids have opportunities to join in Covenant Pines fun with their friends. Family camp gets all members of the family out into nature—learning, playing, and resting.

Parenting resources

Periodically we offer classes or workshops to help support healthy parenting, answer questions, and encourage each other. (Check the calendar for updates.)

Grandparents and Senior Adults- Food for thought

Fuller Youth Institute recently put out a terrific article  of ideas and practical advice about befriending and teaching the children in your life.  Research shows that kids and teens who enjoy significant relationships with adults other than their parents in their faith community will stand a much greater chance of pursuing a vital walk with God as they grow into young adulthood. It’s a great five-minute read. Read it here.

For more information, please contact Kyliah Clarke Villa, Pastor of Children & Families, (612-927-3124 or ).

 

Upcoming Events

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 9:30 AM 

Bandage rolling

Every third Tuesday of the month, you can help roll cotton bandages to be used in hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Come downstairs to Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 6-8 PM 

Supper and Ash Wednesday service

You are invited to a simple soup supper in Fellowship Hall. If you can bring soup to share, please contact Pastor Kyliah Clarke Villa ( or 612-927-3124). At 7 p.m., join in a brief worship service as we observe the beginning of Lent together.

FEBRUARY 24-26

ROOTS Winter Retreat

Students grades 6-12, don’t miss out on an incredible weekend! The Winter Retreat, February 24-26, will be at Adventurous Christians Wilderness Camp on the Gunflint Trail. Cost is $95, and includes lodging, food, transportation, all programming, activities, and lots and lots of fun!  Partial scholarships are available as needed. Space is limited, so pick up a registration form from Todd Bratulich or Leya Copper

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 9-9:45 AM 

All-community prayer gathering

Come to receive prayer on Sunday morning during all-community prayer time. This open group meets to pray for others, the community, and First Covenant. All-community prayer is open to everyone. NOTE THE NEW LOCATION: the Lounge by the elevator on the second floor. Stop in any time during First Hour (9-9:45 a.m.) Sunday morning. On the second Sunday of the month, prayer gatherings will start at 8:30 a.m. and end in time for the 9 a.m. Hymn, Scripture & Prayer service also held in the Lounge.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM 

Breaking New Ground with Race Relations
(Class 3)

Nekima Levy-Pounds will lead this three-class series. The class will be held in the Lounge. A sandwich lunch will be provided ($5 per person requested). Please RSVP to Terri Stromberg ( or 612-927-3120).

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 6-7 PM

CONFIRMATION CLASS (Students)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7-9 PM

ROOTS (Students)

Join us for ROOTS, a time of fun and exploration as we grow deeper in relationship with God and each other.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 9-9:45 AM 

All-community prayer gathering

Come to receive prayer on Sunday morning during all-community prayer time. This open group meets to pray for others, the community, and First Covenant. All-community prayer is open to everyone. NOTE THE NEW LOCATION: the Lounge by the elevator on the second floor. Stop in any time during First Hour (9-9:45 a.m.) Sunday morning. On the second Sunday of the month, prayer gatherings will start at 8:30 a.m. and end in time for the 9 a.m. Hymn, Scripture & Prayer service also held in the Lounge.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 5-7 PM 

Adjourned annual meeting

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Prior to the meeting, you are invited to a dinner served by our youth in Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. The proceeds from the meal will be used to help student kids attend CHIC, a conference/gathering of young people from Covenant churches around the U.S. and Canada next summer.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 6-7 PM

CONFIRMATION CLASS (Students)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 7-9 PM

ROOTS (Students)

Join us for ROOTS, a time of fun and exploration as we grow deeper in relationship with God and each other.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 6:30-8:30 PM 

Wellness Night

You're invited to an all-community evening together with a focus on wellness. Details to come.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

SATURDAY, MAY 19

Save the date! All-church retreat
"Room To Breathe"

On Saturday, May 19, the entire First Covenant community is invited to an all-church retreat alongside the beautiful St. Croix river, at the YMCA camp in Hudson Wisconsin. Last year, nearly 90 people enjoyed the day together. Mark your calendars now. Plan to attend, and start practicing for the second annual skit and talent show!

TUESDAY, MAY 22, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 6-9 PM 

The Deep End: Six vital explorations of faith.

This ongoing course is led by Pastor Dan Collison.This class will meet once per month on the fourth Tuesday—from 6-9 p.m., January 24 - June 26. Registration is required.