Children’s Ministry at First Church
Jesus said, “Let the Little Children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these”
Mark 10:14-1

Under the Leadership of the Nursery Committee, Children’s Council and the Ministry Area on
Education we at First United Methodist Church provide love, support, and programming for our
children. Through these programs our children come to understand that they are God’s children
and an important part of the life of the church. We encourage children to become active participants
through their time, gifts and service and offer many opportunities for study, fun and fellowship.

Please take a few moments to learn about our children’s ministry here at First United Methodist and how
your child can be an active part of the church.

Opportunities in Children’s Ministry

Worship

One of the main ways' children learn to worship is by participating with the congregation. As they worship they learn about God and His people. We welcome all children of all ages to the Sanctuary for worship. We have bulletins available for children as you enter the Sanctuary. These materials have been designed to allow our children to worship during the service. We also invite children ages 4 through 1st grade to participate in Children’s Church that meets in room 109 during the sermontime of worship. We love our children and encourage them to worship God. They are an important part of our worshipping community. Their presence here grows out of the Biblical tradition that children are members of God’s covenant with His people. Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is an essential part of their growth in Christ and their purpose for living.

Education

• Sunday School
  We have a complete slate of children’s Sunday School classes beginning with 2 year olds through the 6th Grade. Trained and qualified Christian teachers lead our children using the United Methodist Sunday School curriculum. Classes meet between 9:45 and 10:40 a.m. Sunday School attendance is encouraged so each child may receive a spiritual foundation built upon the rock. The last Sunday in July is Promotion Sunday. All children who are 3 prior to Sept. 30th of the Promotion year graduates to their new class where juice and donuts await them. During the 11:00 Worship Service on Promotion Sunday all newly promoted 3rd graders come to the altar for the presentation of Bibles from the Senior Pastor.
  SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY
  As a church that tries to respect and be a part of the Methodist safe sanctuary policies, let us remind parents that as a part of those policies children should be in the same grade level at both school and church. For example: if a child is in first grade in school he/ she should be in first grade in church. Also, if a child is not beginning kindergarten due to a late birthday or other reasons, please hold that child back in the 3 or 4 year old class. We promote up to classes according to the Tennessee school systems of using the birthday of Sept. 30th. A child must be 3 by Sept. 30, 2011 to promote UP to the 3 year old Sunday School class. Those that turn 3 on Oct. 1st or after should stay in the 2 year old Sunday School class throughout the year. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Tami. These policies are in place to protect and keep safe all our children. We do not promote according to ability, maturity, intelligence, or if your child is potty trained or not;only by age and grade level.
  
  
• Wonderful Wednesdays
  Wonderful Wednesdays coincide with Wednesday Night Suppers and Choir. After choir all children gather in classrooms for a fun time of discovery, study and crafts. Our study focus is on the application of our spiritual learning to our everyday trials, tribulations, joys, and celebrations.
• Confirmation Classes
  Children in the 6th Grade begin an exciting, demanding, and challenging journey to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Confirmation classes begin with a dinner for all Confirmands, parents, and mentors. Thereafter, Confirmands attend classes during the Sunday school hour studying a series of lessons on their journey of Faith.On the Sunday prior to Palm Sunday Confirmands publicly affirm their faith into which they were baptized. Afterward a reception is held in honor of the Confirmandsin the gym.
• WhizKidz
  WhizKidz is a Bible Memory Program designed for children ages 3 through 6th grade. The focus of this program is for children to develop a stronger Bible foundation for daily living. Bible memorization begins with simple memorization and builds toward longer scripture selections such as the Books of the Bible. This is a strong and exciting program here at First Church growing from just a few to over 100 participants.
  
  Registration for the WhizKidz program is every September. Bible memorization is divided into 4 sessions with the first beginning in October. After each session a small reward is given for the child’s accomplishment. In March we have a “Mid-Way Mid-March” celebration with an outside activity such as roller-skating. In August we have our Annual WhizKidz Awards Banquet where each child who completed their memorization is presented with a pin and bar.
  

Fellowship

• 1st Grade Fellowship
  Our 1st Grade Fellowship meets quarterly for wholesome fun in a Christian environment encouraging social and spiritual development. In the Fall we gather for the Good Apple Party; an evening filled with apple delights and a study on being the “good apple in the bunch." In the winter we have our P. J. Party with everyone wearing their pajamas as we gather to Praise Jesus with dinner and fun games. In the Spring we have our “Spring Eggstravaganza” with a celebration of new beginnings with activities such as Easter egg dying.
• 2nd and 3rd Grade Fellowship
  Our 2nd and 3rd Grade Fellowship meets the 1st Sunday in every month beginning in September. We have Bible Study, play games, and eat dinner together. We meet at 5:00 in the gym and then go to room 204 till 6:30. We have special evenings together throughout the year such as church outings to putt-putt and movie night.
• 4th and 5th Grade Fellowship
  Our 4th and 5th Grade Fellowship meets September through April every 3rd Sunday night. We gather at 5:00 to eat dinner, play games, and study together in room 204 till 6:30. Spiritual values and community responsibility are encouraged and many opportunities are provided to exercise these skills.Our mission work extends to members of the church who can no longer visit us and reside at local nursing homes. After the new year we have a Lock-in andgo bowling. In May we have an outing to putt-putt and other outside activities.
• CHAOS 6th Graders Only
  Out 6th Grade has a special program designed just for them. CHAOS or Christians Hyped About Our Savior. We meet every 2nd and 4th Sunday night beginning in July. we come together for a time of fellowship where we discuss socialissues and learn to deal with those issues and decisions we make everyday. We have all sorts of fun excursions to the movies, putt-putt, bowling, lock-ins and more. Our studies surround subjects such as choosing friends, being a friend, manners, dating, drugs and alcohol abuse, and abstinence, all surrounded by the teachings of Jesus.
  

Camping Opportunities
Graduated 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders are given the opportunity to explore God’s creation, to experience living in a small community that challenges and tests social and personal skills, to explore their faith and to strengthen their knowledge and commitment to Christ at Cedar Crest Elementary Camp. The Church aids in tuition for each child.

Music Opportunities

Beginning with Wednesday Night Suppers in September our children enjoy an evening of leadership with our Director of Children’s Music. Throughout the fall, winter, and spring the children learn to experience God through the gift of music. Each December the children have a Christmas pageant and in the spring a singing gala. These two programs really allow the children to let their light shine through their gifts of song, drama, and movement. Our children’s choir ages begin withchildren ages 4 as of Sept. 30 of the present year through 6th Grade.

Seasonal and Yearly Activities

Every spring we have our annual Easter Egg Hunt usually held the day before Easter on the church property. Children toddling through 3rd Grade come for a time of traditional hunting of over 3,000 eggs followed by a banquet of Eastersweets and goodies.

Every Easter a cross of flowers is created by the children of the church during all three worship services. This is a beautiful experience and a joyful time as the children gather by the altar. The cross of flowers is placed on the front lawn of the church and is enjoyed by the entire community.

In the spring we have a “Celebration of the Young Child” where every child of 5 and under are invited to attend a special worship service designed especially for them.

Vacation Bible School is held for the children of our church and community each July. Emphasis is given to a Biblical theme by learning, singing, and creative crafts. A mission offering is received and given to Missions in Action.

Jesus’ Birthday Party is a celebration of His birth for children ages 2 through 3rd Grade. “Happy Birthday” is sung with cookies and milk for everyone.

Advent Festival

The Advent Festival takes place the first Sunday in December. The entire congregation is invited to come to the Family Life Center for a time of fellowship and fun crafts. Make and create ornaments, gifts, and your Advent wreath in a fun environment with good Christian fellowship.

The Advent Festival takes place the first Sunday in December. The entire congregation is invited to come to the Family Life Center for a time of fellowship and fun crafts. Make and create ornaments, gifts, and your Advent wreath in a fun environment with good Christian fellowship.