Information about the Children and Youth Choirs is available here.

 

Our Children and Family Ministry is active, exciting, and growing every year. Please join us for these and other events to share fellowship, expand your circle of friends at church, and grow in Christ as a family.

For more information about these opportunities or Children and Family Ministry at Fourth Church, contact Donna Gray, Minister for Children and Families (312.640.2577)

Sunday School
9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Sunday morning nursery runs from 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

There are two sessions of Sunday School during the school year: one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 11:00 a.m. Your child may come to either session according to your family schedule. While it is best to stick to one session so your child gets to know the children in his or her class, you may bring your child to either session any given Sunday if your schedule has changed that week.

(For additional information about Sunday School for three-year-olds, fourth graders, and sixth graders, see below.)

Donations to Local Agencies
Because of space constraints, we are no longer able to collect children's donations (toys, clothes, books, strollers, high chairs, car seats). However, several agencies will be delighted to receive your donations, and we hope that you'll contact the agency nearest you and deliver the items directly.

These agencies include—

American Indian Center
     1630 W. Wilson
     Chicago, IL  60640
     773.275.5871
     (Contact: Hara Jonathan, ext. 12)

Casa Central
     1343 N. California Ave.
     Chicago, IL 60622
     773.645.2300

Unsolicited children's items brought to Fourth Church will be re-donated to the Salvation Army.

 

Moms’ Groups

Groups for Moms with Children up through Age Four
Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. in Lincoln Park
Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Lakeview
Second Wednesdays of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the North Side

For fun and companionship, join a group for moms of children up through age four. These groups meet weekly, on Monday and Tuesday mornings in Lakeview and Lincoln Park. An evening group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at different members’ homes.

Group for Moms with Children Age Five through Twelve
Alternating Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church

A moms' group for women with children ages 5 to 12 will meet on alternating Sundays from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. beginning October 3. The group's mission is to provide a time for mothers to gain wisdom and exchange insights on how their religious faith can shed light on parenting, career, health, spousal relationships, the loss of grandparents or parents, and other topics. Additionally, the group will provide a quarterly service outlet for its members, working closely with Women@Fourth Connect to support women and children in our community.

For details about Moms' Groups, contact Liz Nickerson.

So You Have a Three-Year-Old!
If your child turns three by September 1, he or she is ready for a new adventure. We have two classes for three-year-olds: the 9:30 a.m. class is just for three-year-olds, while the 11:00 a.m. class combines three- and four-year-olds. Your child may attend either class.

If you have a two-year-old turning three during the year, experience has shown us that it is best to wait until the following fall to begin class. Developmentally, your child will be better able to leave you and enjoy the class. Your child has a lifetime to learn the stories of the Bible. As parents, you can do so much more than any Sunday School class by reading the Bible stories from a children's Bible, which has stories appropriate in length and content for a preschooler and can introduce him or her to Jesus and his love for us all.

Exceptions are occasionally made for children ready for the three-year-old class, but these are handled by Donna Gray on a case-by-case basis. If you have concerns about your child's placement, please contact her before taking your child to class.

Does your child have special challenges or physical limitations? There is a place for him or her in Sunday School. Donna will work with you to find the best way for your child to participate. Please let us know how we can help you and your child have a meaningful experience in Sunday School.

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Children’s Choirs
Enrollment is not required for children and youth to attend choir rehearsals, which are held during the school year, and visiting singers are always welcome. However, to help us plan for supplies and to enable us to contact singers and families with schedule information, it is helpful for students to register. 

Cherub Choir (age 4–grade 1)
The Cherub Choir learns a variety of age-appropriate songs, which may also incorporate movement and instruments. Cherubs participate in the Christmas Eve Pageant, Palm Sunday services, and occasionally sing the introit at the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Rehearses Sundays, 10:30–10:50a.m. during the school year

Children’s Choir (grades 2–5)
The Children’s Choir participates in the 11:00 a.m. worship service on the second Sunday of each month. The Children’s Choir learns traditional choral anthems and occasionally plays the church’s choir chimes. The choir also participates in the Advent Lessons and Music service, Palm Sunday services, and a spring concert.
Rehearses Sundays from 11:00–11:45 a.m. during the school year

Youth Choir (grades 6–12)
TheYouth Choir participates in the 9:30 a.m. worship service on the second Sunday of each month. The choir learns traditional choral anthems in four-part harmony. The choir also participates in the Advent Lessons and Music service, Palm Sunday services, and a spring concert.
Rehearses Sundays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
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