Our Sunday School program operates year round. At 9:30, families of 2-year-olds through 4th grade start in worship together. Towards the beginning of service, children will be invited to the chancel for a children's sermon, then head off to their age-based classes. Following worship, parents pick their children up in their classroom. As part of our child safety program, we ask that you visit the Sunday morning check-in desk at the southeast corner of the building each Sunday morning for news, notes, and special announcements. If you park in the south parking lot, enter the door at the far right (east) end of the building - the desk is just inside the door. For children under 2, we have a fully staffed nursery available starting at 9:30.
TNT
The First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield has been offering TNT (Tuesday Nights Together), a midweek faith-building program for all school-age youth, for more than 30 years. Each Tuesday, youth participate in various activities that build character, create healthy friendships, and deepen faith, including Bible Study, Music, Crafts and Games, and Dinner. K-4th grade meets from 4:00-6:20 p.m.
At FPCD, we have created a program for Junior High students designed to help them strengthen their faith and character while enjoying all that life has to offer at their age. Our 5th-8th graders come together twice weekly for fellowship and educational programs and participate in monthly service and fellowship opportunities.
Sunday Mornings
Chat: GPT
Sunday Morning Sunday School - Chat: GPT (God’s People Together) 8:50 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. in John Calvin Hall
Join Us for a “Visual Faith” Experience Following Jesus — A Sunday Morning Spiritual Journey begins September 8.
On Sunday mornings, Junior and Senior High School students, parents and adults are invited to participate in our
intergenerational Bible study, “Visual Faith .” Visual Faith uses multiple everyday images of our world (and some imaginative ones) to help us consider how God is present in our world. In doing so, we will quickly realize that God is at work for each of us.
In the Friday eBlast, you can preview our Sunday topics and reflect on how the week’s scripture speaks to you. Then, on Sunday, we’ll gather in small groups for an interactive, participatory learning experience that mirrors how Jesus engaged with people in the Bible. This gathering aims to deepen your faith and strengthen connections within your church family — youth, parents, grandparents, and all siblings in Christ.
This program fosters meaningful connections between youth and adults as we explore and practice a Jesus-centered life.
Join us at 8:50 a.m. for donuts, juice, and coffee, and stay for the 25-minute gathering at 9:00 a.m. in the John Calvin Hall.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Confirmation
The confirmation program at First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield is a nine-month program designed to help seventh and eighth graders explore their current beliefs, understandings, and relationships with the Trinity and our church. The program happens every other year. This exploration allows them to rethink and even challenge some of the doctrines and ideas they have been taught in the past. Their understanding of how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit impact their lives grows as they learn from one another. Discussions, fellowship activities, retreats, and bible studies help shape friendships among fellow confirmands!
Our confirmation program will help seventh and eighth graders put their faith story into words. Throughout the program, they work toward a point where they can claim the name and love of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Confirmation requires a commitment to exploring who you are and who you are called to be!
TNT
The First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield has been offering TNT (Tuesday Nights Together), a midweek faith-building program for all school-age youth, for more than 30 years. Each Tuesday, youth participate in activities that build character, create healthy friendships, and deepen faith, including Bible Study, Music, Crafts and Games, and Dinner. Students from 5th through 12th grade meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Junior High Parent Committees are working on upcoming mission projects such as Bernie's Books, Feed My Starving Children, The Greater Chicago Food Depository, and more. We are committed to improving this world through faith, love, and service!
Our Junior High youth leave Deerfield every summer to participate in a mission experience. For six days, they work alongside youth from other churches doing various service projects in and around the hosting community. We partnered again with the group work camp this year in their Week of Hope mission. Junior Highers traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to participate in service opportunities that included cleaning, socializing in nursing homes, and stocking and organizing shelves in a food pantry.
Junior High Retreats
Retreats are weekend excursions where youth groups get time to deepen their connection to each other and God. This is done through lively conversation about meaningful Bible themes and how they relate to our daily lives. The youth play games and explore the surrounding area, making life-long friendships with their peers. We have two retreats a year. The fall retreat is in Covenant Harbor, Wisconsin, and the spring retreat is at Stronghold Castle in Oregon, IL.
Our Senior High Youth Group, consisting of high school students from freshmen to seniors, forms a vibrant community of dynamic young adults committed to deepening their understanding of God's word. Through engaging Bible studies, uplifting fellowship retreats, and impactful service days, we actively translate our faith into action. Each member plays a pivotal role, offering unique perspectives and ideas that propel our group's growth in faith and commitment. Thom Cunningham, the director of faith formation, guides us with interactive and forward-thinking leadership.
Chat: GPT
Sunday Morning Sunday School - Chat: GPT (God’s People Together) 8:50 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. in John Calvin Hall
Join Us for a “Visual Faith” Experience Following Jesus — A Sunday Morning Spiritual Journey begins September 8.
On Sunday mornings, Junior and Senior High School students, parents and adults are invited to participate in our
intergenerational Bible study, “Visual Faith .” Visual Faith uses multiple everyday images of our world (and some imaginative ones) to help us consider how God is present in our world. In doing so, we will quickly realize that God is at work for each of us.
In the Friday eBlast, you can preview our Sunday topics and reflect on how the week’s scripture speaks to you. Then, on Sunday, we’ll gather in small groups for an interactive, participatory learning experience that mirrors how Jesus engaged with people in the Bible. This gathering aims to deepen your faith and strengthen connections within your church family — youth, parents, grandparents, and all siblings in Christ.
This program fosters meaningful connections between youth and adults as we explore and practice a Jesus-centered life.
Join us at 8:50 a.m. for donuts, juice, and coffee, and stay for the 25-minute gathering at 9:00 a.m. in the John Calvin Hall.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday Offsite
The gathering location and starting time will be in the Friday E-blast and Sunday Bulletin.
Sunday Off-Site Bible studies (S.O.S) are unlike any other Bible studies offered at First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield! The senior high kids love them!
Every S.O.S Bible study is located at a different, secret, exciting place. Upon arrival at the Secret Destination, our journey unfolds as we immerse ourselves in the unique experiences that await us. From fostering fellowship to indulging in delicious food, engaging in lively games, unraveling mysteries, and beyond, each element is intricately woven into the fabric of our location and the essence of our Bible study. This one-of-a-kind experience is tailor-made for high schoolers seeking spiritual enrichment and meaningful connections. Locations can be anywhere from corn mazes or campfires on the beach to music concerts. Make sure you are signed up in Flocknote for weekly clues to each destination. Because times change based on location please check weekly bulletins and Flocknote for details. Please contact Thom Cunningham, tcunningham@firstpresdf.org, for more information.
Retreats
Retreats serve as weekend getaways where youth groups come together to deepen their bonds with one another and with God. These transformative experiences encompass lively conversations, reflective discussions on Bible themes relevant to our daily lives, and engaging activities that challenge and inspire. From high rope courses to horseback riding, ultimate frisbee to rock climbing, and even singing around the campfire, each adventure is intertwined with meaningful exploration of faith. Amidst abundant free time for games and exploration, participants forge lasting memories and connections. We host two retreats annually: the fall retreat at Covenant Harbor, Wisconsin, and the winter ski trip in the Wisconsin Dells.
Each summer, the Senior High Youth Group spends eight days on the Yucatan Peninsula, working with Pastor Ramon Celis on various projects. Groups have worked to build numerous churches, a hospital, and an orphanage in some of the most underprivileged areas of the Yucatan. The week is filled with hard work, Bible studies, great food, fun activities, wonderful people, and lasting memories.
Senior high students work throughout the year toward this trip. Participation in Sunday morning programming, worship, and Tuesday night youth group are all requirements for preparing for this experience.
If you have questions about the Yucatan Mission Trip, please contact Thom at tcunningham@firstpresdf.org.
