Children's Ministry at FUMCA
Children are a gift from God, and we want every child — and their family members (ever how that may be defined or look)
to feel the love of God and have a sense of belonging to a community of faith. We believe that life is best shared in community. We want to celebrate joys and support one another in our sorrows. Through the presence of loving, skilled teachers and leaders, we make it a point to teach the stories of the Bible and the lessons of faith. We build in moments to serve the community within and beyond the church’s walls. Beyond that, we find room for teenagers and young adults to connect with younger children and minister with them along the way. It’s part of a natural, intentional approach to discipleship. People learn best by doing.
Children's Sunday School
Children currently meet in two separate groups for Sunday School: prek/K and 1st-4th grade.
Children engage in some active learning and discussions using resources from the Godly Play series. This curriculum is focused on helping children discover meaning through story, wonder, and play. Its mission includes nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children.
Sunday School meets in between the worship services on Sunday mornings, from 9:45 – 10:45 AM. The children’s classrooms are located in the Johnson Center, across from the gym.
Children's Church
During the traditional service, children of all ages are invited to the altar for a children’s moment in worship. This brief children’s sermon offers an interactive and age-appropriate lesson on the sermon topic for the day in the chapel or pre-k library.
Afterward, younger children are invited to follow adults to the chapel for a devotion. They also play quiet games before they join their parents for the end of the worship service.
Wednesday Night Activities
Each Wednesday night, as part of The Gathering, children have a variety of activities planned from 5:45 - 7 p.m.
Parents teach children music, a lesson is taught, and periodically, members of the congregation Elizabeth Nix teaches a children’s choir, there is a devotional for children, and members of the congregation share their talents and offer special age-appropriate activities related to their work or hobbies. Wednesday nights are focused on bringing the children of the church closer to one another and closer to the members of our broader congregation.
Seasonal Activities
We have seasonal activities to bring our youth together and to serve our community!
VBS is for children ages 4 years old to fifth grade.
MORE INFO COMING COON on 2025 VBS!
Nursery
Childcare is available for children birth through 2 years of age during all church activities.
Preteen
As children move toward adolescence, their needs, and their parents needs shift. The children are beginning to assert themselves, and parents wonder what has happened to their little boy or little girl. Recognizing the cognitive growth and learning style and needs, 5th through 7th grade students gather in their own Sunday school class. There, they get to take the foundational knowledge of biblical stories and are given a safe, supportive environment to ask questions and deepen their knowledge and sense of faith. This is also the age in which we invite students and their families about confirming their faith. Additionally, we create special activities for this group as a stepping stone toward being an active member of the youth group. Students in 7th grade are invited to participate in Sunday night youth activities and select youth ministry events.