Kids Invited to Free After-School and Music Programs

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT) invites all children to participate in free mid-week faith enrichment and music programs to learn about faith, make music, play with friends, and have fun in a safe environment.

MID-WEEK AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

Children from age three through third grade can join Faith, Friends, and Music, held each Wednesday at the church from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, September 11. This enrichment opportunity combines scripture-based stories, hands-on creative activities, art projects, games, and music into a fun-filled afternoon in a safe environment. The music portion consists of an energetic youth choir perfect for kids just beginning to sing, while the novice bell choir helps children learn bell choir fundamentals by playing tone chimes and hand bells.

Faith, Friends, and Music is led by Cindy Caporaso, Director of Children's Ministries, and Janice Williams, Associate Music Director at PCCT. Registration is currently open for the fall session from September 11 through December 18. Winter and Spring sessions will also be available. The program is open to all children in the community and is free-of-charge. To register, contact Cindy Caporaso at ccaporaso@pcct-nj.org.

MUSIC PROGRAMS

Children in grades 1 through 4 can join Psalm Singers and Joy Ringers. The vocal choir and bell choir provide children the opportunity to learn to use their voice and participate in our worship experience from an early age. Children will practice basic vocal and rhythmic skills. Rehearsals are Sundays after church, and participants will have the opportunity ring or sing in Sunday worship at PCCT about once a month. No musical experience is needed to participate.

Youth fifth grade and older are invited to join Youth Bells and/or Cantate, the intermediate youth music groups at PCCT.

Youth Bells, the bell choir, enables children to develop their musical skills and work with each other as team players. They learn music basics such as note reading, rhythm, dynamics, and bell techniques. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5:00-5:45.

Cantate, the vocal choir, provides older children with the opportunity to develop musical literacy and good vocal technique while cultivating an appreciation for music. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 5:45-6:30 p.m.

Youth will have the opportunity to sing and ring during Sunday worship at PCCT about once a month. No musical experience is needed to participate. Benefits of participating in these youth musical groups at PCCT are multiple, including learning to sing and reading music, expanding their Christian education, serving the church with their time and talents through music, and gaining self-confidence by singing in front of the congregation.

These music groups are perfect for any child interested in singing or playing the bells regardless of musical ability or experience. Please contact Janice Williams at jwilliams@pcct-nj.org for more details and to register.

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship, and service. Drawing members from three counties and more than 20 communities, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and educational programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness and recovery from disasters or other crises. The church is located at 240 Southern Boulevard. Sunday worship services are at 10 a.m. If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more, visit us at www.pcct-nj.org or call the church office at 973-635-2340.