Archive for category: Church News

Finding a church for your family is about more than finding somewhere to go on Sunday morning. You want a place where your children feel comfortable, where they can ask questions, make friends, participate, and grow — and where your whole family feels genuinely welcome.

At First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, children and youth are an important part of the life of our church.

From Sunday Faith Groups and children’s music to special events and opportunities to simply have fun together, we want First Pres to be a place where young people can learn about faith while also developing meaningful relationships and discovering that church is a community they belong to.

If you are looking for a family-friendly church in Santa Monica, here is a little of what you and your children can expect at First Pres.

Starting Sunday Worship Together

One of the things we value at First Pres is giving families the opportunity to begin Sunday worship together.

Children and youth are invited to join their families in the sanctuary at the beginning of the worship service. Following Children’s Time, they head to their Faith Group rooms for age-appropriate lessons, conversations and activities.

This gives children an opportunity to experience worship as part of the larger congregation while also having dedicated time to explore faith in ways that make sense for their age and stage of life.

For families visiting First Pres for the first time, there is no expectation that your children already know what to do or have previous church experience. They are welcome to join in, meet other kids, ask questions and participate at their own pace.

Faith Groups Give Kids Space to Learn and Grow

Children and youth experience faith differently at different ages, which is why First Pres offers Children’s & Youth Faith Groups as part of Sunday mornings.

These groups create space for young people to learn about God, talk about what faith means in their own lives, participate in activities and build relationships with other children and trusted adults.

For younger children, that might mean learning through stories, conversation and hands-on activities. For older youth, Faith Groups can offer opportunities for deeper discussion, reflection, leadership and connection with their peers.

Our hope is not simply that children learn about faith, but that they experience church as a place where they are known, encouraged and valued.

Music Gives Children Another Way to Participate

Music is an important part of worship and community life at First Pres, and this fall has offered some wonderful opportunities to celebrate music with children and families.

Earlier this month, children participating in the Jubilate! Children’s Choir sang during worship as part of our Harvest Festival celebration.

Experiences like Jubilate! allow children to do more than watch from the pews. They have the chance to learn music together, practice as a group and contribute something of their own to Sunday worship.

And there is more music still to come.

On Sunday, October 25, First Pres will welcome the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus to sing during worship.

The performance gives families an opportunity to experience beautiful choral music together and is another example of the role music can play in bringing children, families and the wider congregation together.

Whether your child loves to sing or your family simply enjoys experiencing music together, these moments add something special to church life.

Church Can Be Fun, Too

Faith formation is important, but so is simply giving kids opportunities to spend time together.

That is part of the idea behind Kids Night Out, one of our recurring events for children and youth.

Kids Night Out gives younger children an evening to enjoy food, games, activities and time with friends at the church, while older youth have opportunities to get involved and help.

Our next Kids Night Out is planned for Saturday, November 21, with additional details to come.

For children, evenings like this help church become a familiar and welcoming place, somewhere they associate not only with Sunday worship, but also with friendships, laughter and experiences they look forward to.

For parents, it is another opportunity to get to know the programs, people and community surrounding their children.

Children Are Part of the Life of the Church

At First Pres, children’s ministry is not meant to exist separately from the rest of church life.

Children worship alongside adults. They sing in the sanctuary. They participate in seasonal celebrations. They build friendships during special events. Older youth have opportunities to serve and lead. Families gather together throughout the year for worship, learning, music, service and fellowship.

Our annual Harvest Festival, Kids Night Out, Vacation Bible School, children’s choirs and other programs all look a little different, but they share an important goal: creating opportunities for children and families to experience faith and community together.

We want children to know that they have a place here.

Visiting First Pres With Your Family

Trying a new church for the first time can feel like a big step, especially when you are bringing children with you.

You may be wondering where to go, what your kids should wear, whether they will know anyone, or what happens once worship begins.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive.

Come as you are, bring your questions, and let us help you get settled.

Children and youth are invited to begin worship with their families before joining their Faith Groups after Children’s Time. If your family would prefer to simply attend worship together while you get comfortable, you can do that too.

Most importantly, you do not need to already be a member of First Pres to participate in our worship services, children’s programs or many of our community events.

New families are always welcome.

Discover Children’s Programs and Family Events at First Pres

If you are searching for a church for families in Santa Monica, we invite you to experience First Pres for yourself.

Join us for Sunday worship, learn more about our Children’s & Youth Faith Groups, come hear the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus on October 25, or keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming family events including Kids Night Out on November 21 and our Christmas programs later this year.

There are many ways for children and families to become part of the life of First Pres, and we would love to welcome yours.

Explore our Children & Youth programs or visit the First Pres Event Calendar to see what’s coming up next.

At First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, community is built in many ways: through worship, shared meals, meaningful conversation, service, children’s programs, music, and simple moments of connection.

As summer begins to shift toward fall, August offers a natural opportunity to reconnect, meet new people, and learn more about the life of the church. For those who are new to First Pres, returning after time away, or looking for a deeper sense of community in Santa Monica, this is a welcoming season to get involved.

A Church Community Built Around Connection

Church life is about more than Sunday morning. Worship is central to who we are, but the life of a church community also grows through friendship, hospitality, shared service, and opportunities to gather throughout the week.

At First Pres, our hope is to create spaces where people of all ages can feel welcome, supported, and connected. From children and youth to adults, families, longtime members, and new visitors, there are many ways to take part in the life of the church.

Some people first connect through worship. Others come through a community event, a children’s program, a meal, a concert, or an opportunity to serve. However someone finds their way here, we hope First Pres can be a place where they feel invited into something meaningful.

Sharing Meals and Making Space for Conversation

Food has a simple way of bringing people together. A shared meal creates space for conversation, welcome, and connection in a way that feels natural and familiar.

This month, First Pres will gather for Open Table: An All-Church Fellowship Dinner & Fall Ministry Kickoff on Saturday, August 22 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the Ren Room and Courtyard. The evening will include a potluck meal, entertainment, conversation, information about upcoming events, special activities for kids, and Bingo with prizes for everyone.

It is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect as a church family, welcome new faces, and look ahead to the fall season together.

Shared meals are also an important part of how First Pres serves the wider Santa Monica community. Monthly community lunches, offered in partnership with The People Concern, help create a space of care, dignity, and hospitality for neighbors in our city. These gatherings are one example of how ministry can happen through something as simple and essential as sitting down together at a table.

Family-Friendly Events for Kids and Youth

First Pres is also a place where children and youth can grow, serve, and build friendships.

On Saturday, August 29 from 5:00–8:00 p.m., families are invited to take part in Kids Night Out. Children ages 3 years old through 5th grade can come to the church for an evening of food, games, art, and time with friends.

Middle and high school youth are invited to participate as well by helping out and earning service hours. It is a great way for older youth to support younger children, practice leadership, and stay connected to the church community.

Events like Kids Night Out help create a sense of belonging for children and families. They give kids a place to laugh, play, create, and build friendships while also giving youth opportunities to serve and take part in the life of the church in meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead to Fall at First Pres

August often feels like a bridge between seasons. Summer is still here, but school calendars, fall routines, and ministry programs are beginning to take shape.

At First Pres, this is a meaningful time to look ahead. Fall brings new opportunities for worship, fellowship, learning, service, and community engagement. It is also a good time for people who may be looking for a church in Santa Monica to explore what First Pres has to offer.

From Sunday worship to children’s programs, community meals, events, outreach, and opportunities to serve, there are many ways to get involved.

Explore Upcoming Events at First Pres

If you are looking for a welcoming church community in Santa Monica, we invite you to explore what is happening at First Pres this month and in the season ahead.

Visit our event calendar to learn more about upcoming gatherings, ministry opportunities, family-friendly events, and ways to connect with the First Pres community.

We would love to welcome you.

One way to counter the injustice of empire is by being more intentional about where our money goes this holiday season. As Black Friday approaches, I want to provide some shopping swaps for those looking for more conscious alternatives to big name companies. Changing our spending habits can take a bit more effort, but it’s worth it to know we’re being good stewards of our resources. 

Here are a few sites I recommend: 

Good.Store gives 100% of their proceeds to charity. You heard me! 100%! John and Hank Green started this project as a way to raise funds to build the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone (which opens in 2026). Purchases from this site go toward supporting projects like the maternal health center and more that make the world a better place. The quality of their products is exceptional and everything is fair trade. It’s really good stuff. 

For phone and tech needs, you can use BackMarket.com. They are a slow tech company that recycles and fixes up used phones. Any problems that pop up, I send the phone back for free repairs and their customer service is excellent. It may take some adjusting, but half the price of a new phone and not at the cost of the workers who made them is worth it. 

For more options: @cutoffthespigot is an Instagram page with more suggestions for ethical swaps. There are great alternatives for all kinds of categories, from children’s clothes to streaming services. 

Happy shopping!

– Jen Philbin
Director of Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries