A Family-Friendly Church in Santa Monica for Faith, Music & Connection

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.