Children Ministry
Welcome to First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach's Children Ministry. Children Ministry provides opportunities for those just born through 5th grade to grow in their faith as Christians.
Summer Registrations
Registration is now open for our exciting summer programs designed for children. From VBS to Kids in the Kitchen, each camp offers unique learning experiences and opportunities for creativity. Ensure your child's spot before the deadlines approach. VBS runs June 9-13, Summit46 from June 16-20, and various other camps throughout July. Summit46 registration closes May 1. VBS registration closes June 2nd. Register now to secure your place!
https://conta.cc/4jmIa6n
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU COME TO WORSHIP!
Nursery
The nursery provides a safe, secure, nurturing, clean and efficient environment for our youngest disciples ages birth to 3 years. The teachers and staff will play with the children and teach them a short Bible story each week from the provided curricula. Nursery is available during all worship services and other church activities.
Sunday School
During the 9:30 am Worship Service only. We are currently offering three Sunday school classes for children ages Pre-K thru Kinder, 1st thru 3rd, and 4th thru 5th grades. After “Time For Young Disciples” the children are walked over to a secure wing of the Center for Christian Life building where they can be picked up after our worship service. The children are taught a curricula that connects Bible story lessons to life today using various learning styles by trained, loving volunteers. Please make sure to sign in your child before Worship Starts in the back of the Sancturary.
Quest
Quest Kids Club is an after school program offered on Wednesday from September thru May. It is open to all children in our community in grades Pre K to Fifth grade. The program includes various stations for the children to rotate: games, snack, crafts, Bible lesson, and music. Our Quest Kids Club curriculum offers an age-appropriate resources, animated character, lessons centered on scripture. Transportation is provided from several area schools and follows the Indian River School District calendar.
For more information and register go HERE
Preschool
The mission of First Presbyterian Preschool is to provide a quality learning experience which will enhance the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of the whole child. The preschool experience is designed to complement and support family life and extend the ministries of the Church.
For more information go to First Presbyterian Preschool
Family Focused Events
First Presbyterian Church offers several family focused events to encourage discipleship amongst parents and children. Anyone can join us for Wednesday Night Dinners running from September to May, please RSVP through the website to ensure we have enough food. We also offer monthly gatherings for families like movie nights, a fall festival, and retreats/outings.
Meet our Children's Ministry Staff
Jessie Kuehner
Director of Christian Education
Jessie Kuehner (key-ner) is joining the ministry team of First Presbyterian Church as Director of Christian Education. She oversees everything Children's Ministry. Jessie and her family are relocating from Houston, TX. She is a Certified Christian Educator in the PC(USA). She graduated from Fuller Seminary with MDiv with “Emphasis in Family, Youth and Culture.” She did her Undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska in Sports Medicine and Pre-Med. She is a huge Huskers fan. She has been in ministry for more than 10 years serving children, youth, collegians and all ages.
jessiekuehner@firstpresvero.org
Janine Jones
Director of Primo/Children's Choir
As the Children's Choir Director, Janine is responsible for overseeing and conducting the First Presbyterian's Children's Choir, and also for Pre-K - 5th grade music instruction in the Quest program, which meets Wednesdays after school. Janine is the Administrative Director for Primo School for the Performing Arts at First Presbyterian, and is a flute instructor for Primo. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University. She completed her Orff-Schulwerk teaching certifications, Master's Level, at Memphis State University. She is currently the music teacher at Osceola Magnet School, where she has twice been named Teacher of the Year. At Osceola, Janine directs a choir, 2 Orff ensembles and a ukulele ensemble. Her students participate in all-state ensembles on an annual basis. Janine is also a National Board Certified Teacher.
Peter Mahtani
Associate Director of Music
As associate music director, Peter is responsible for the children's bells along with other music opportunities in our church. Peter received his Bachelor of Music Education from Grove City College and his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Messiah College. Peter also assists with the Quest program and other musical endeavors at the church. Before moving to Vero, Peter taught K-8 music and Middle and High school choirs for eight years in Pittsburgh, PA.
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petermahtani@firstpresvero.org
Lorie Rudolph
Preschool Director
Lorie Rudolph is the Director of First Presbyterian Preschool. As an experienced educator in early and elementary education she brings innovative curriculum and instructional tools to benefit our children in a Christian environment.
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Milka Aristide
Nursery Coordinator
Milka has been married to her wonderful husband Kenny for 14 years. She is a homemaker to our four amazing children. She loves working with children. Prior to having her own family, she was a substitute teacher for many years and to be in a classroom every day brought me so much joy. She has been a part of FPC ever since her son started attending preschool. Once she heard of the Quest program and became involved, she was hooked! The rest, as they say, is history.