family dancing in worship

Children & Families

Children, youth, and families are a vibrant part of the First Church community. We treasure opportunities to be a multigenerational church in worship, formation, fellowship, and service. 

Families are invited to use our Children’s Book Corner in the Sanctuary, where children can find books and activity packets to support their participation in worship. Our Nursery is open for infants and toddlers,  we have rocking chairs in the back of our sanctuary for parents of little ones, and our Hastings Common provides a space for caregivers to watch the service on a large screen while supervising little ones who need to roam or need a break.

Our programs for children and youth span from preschool to high school. Learn more and register.

My family started attending First Church in Cambridge about ten years ago, when our kids were little. We wanted the holidays to be about more than just presents. My husband was raised Catholic and I was raised in a UCC church, but we had not attended church in many years. At the time we joined, Sarah Higginbotham and Dan Smith had just received a grant to develop the family program. Part of that was a family retreat. This retreat was the start of our special relationship to the families of First Church. The program has grown dramatically since then, and my kids have participated in many classes. Now, my 13-year-old is part of a class on social justice and my 15-year-old recently participated in the Our Whole Lives program and then Confirmation.  We started attending First Church for our kids, but we found there is a lot here for us, too. In my third year of being a Deacon, I have been enjoying the connection to the vibrant community that is here.  —Amy Matias

Father and Son at Coffee HourAmy’s son Jake and husband John