As our children transition into their teenage years, their relationship with Jesus deepens and becomes increasingly personal. Chi Rho is tailored specifically for middle school youth, providing a space where they can engage in discussions, ask questions, and explore various aspects of faith, life, and the Bible. Our gatherings are filled with laughter and camaraderie, featuring enjoyable games, delicious food, and a supportive bully-free atmosphere. We meet on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 in the Youth Hut for after-school sessions focused on study and fellowship and on Sunday mornings for Sunday school.
CYF, short for Christian Youth Fellowship, is a collective of young disciples navigating the challenging years of high school together. Our discussion-based group focuses on faith, relationships, family dynamics, societal issues, and the complexities of life. We believe that a community that plays, feasts, and prays together not only flourishes but also equips its members to become catalysts for positive change in the world around us. Sunday nights (6:30 - 8:00 pm) are dedicated to fellowship and engaging in various enjoyable activities.
All Sunday school aged students receive a Bible lesson that correlates with the sermon being given that day. This way families can discuss them more in length at home. Sometimes the kids act out skits, have an art project and/or a science experiment that enhances what they are learning about that day. Older kids take turns reading passages from the Bible, put on skits, and play other games to help teach their lesson. They are given water and snacks.
1. Recap the children’s message for additional thoughts or ideas. Or we talk about what we will be learning in that day’s Sunday school lesson.
2. Share announcements of upcoming events - for example, the flower processional for Palm Sunday, Trunk or Treat, camps, etc.
3. Three volunteers help serve the offering and communion to everyone. They get to explain what the offering and communion are for, or they can ask for help, and then another child will share with everyone the reason why we do it.
4. Every month, on the 2nd Sunday, we have that month’s birthday kids come forward. We talk about what we like about each kid and why they are special. Then we sing happy birthday to them. (We have cupcakes and the birthday kids get to pick out 3 small gifts.)
5. During October and November, we also practice the songs and choreography for the Christmas pageant before they are released to their Sunday school and youth classes.
Nursery through preschool children can go straight to their Sunday school classroom as soon as they arrive. They are also welcome to stay in service if that’s what their family prefers. They can stay with their parents the entire time or go to Sunday school when all the kids leave after the children’s message. Kids sit with their parents until they are called forward for the Children’s message during Pass the Peace. We like them to get a taste of our worship service, as well as exposing them to the arts and prayer. We encourage any child who’s interested to join one of our choirs. The kids love watching and supporting their friends when they perform. The Children’s Youth Director gives a short children’s sermon on the steps at the front of the church with all the children and youth before heading off to chapel and Sunday school.
Youth choir, 6th – 12th grade, generally rehearses after church is over in the annex from 11:15 to noon. Currently they are rehearsing with the children’s choir at 9 am as they are working together on several songs for upcoming performances in March and April. They sing more complex songs and work on harmonies. They are also provided with a snack.
Children’s choir, kindergarten through 5th grade, rehearses from 9-9:45 am in the Annex. They practice songs to sing during the 10 am service and other special occasions (like Christmas Eve). They warm up their voices, learn different aspects of music, do rhythm games, and also are provided with a snack before church/Sunday school begins.
"First Christian Church of North Hollywood, since its beginning, has been a place for families to be able to learn, grow, and play. Our denomination - the Christian Church (DOC) - has always valued education and critical thinking. This is why Christian Nursery School is a place where children learn about such things as the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is for this reason that many families from a variety of backgrounds feel comfortable sharing life with our community. It is a safe place for all!"
- Rev. Dr, Jonathan B. Hall, Senior Pastor