Children at First United Methodist Church
Children are a vital part of our congregation and they are invited to participate in worship at all levels. Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is an essential part of their growth in Christ. As we worship with children and they worship with us, we live out the belief that we are a community of faith. We embody the belief that we are all children of God and have gifts to bring to God in worship.
We love to have children serve as acolytes (lighting candles), assisting with the offering, reading scripture, serving as ushers, and more. During worship each week, the children are invited to the front to participate in Children’s Time.
Nursery
Our nursery provides a safe, nurturing, and positive environment for children from birth to age five (5), so that they can experience love and affection early in life. Each Sunday, the nursery is staffed by two caring adult staff members and is open from 8:30 a.m. until the close of the days activities. Our nursery includes a cheerful play area that is stocked with age-appropriate toys and activities and a quiet area for sleeping, changing and feeding. All parents are required to sign each child in and out. Our staff is happy to give your baby a bottle or notify you when your baby needs to nurse.
For Information about the nursery contact the Nursery Director or the Church Office (512) 285 – 4503 or email: fumcelgin@sbcglobal.net.
Kids Sunday School
While adults gather for Sunday School at 10:00 a.m., kids are invited to worship God in their own classes. This multi-age, multi-sensory learning experience is led by several adult volunteers. Each week children will have time for music, hearing and responding to the Word, and active play. This experience is open to ages three (3) through high school.
Children’s Time
During worship services, children ages three (3) through fifth grade are invited to the front of the church to interact with adult volunteers and their peers to learn about many of the same themes the adults are exploring in worship. This time is designed to help children understand and explore the meaning of the days sermon.
Staying for the Service
Children are always welcome to stay for the full service. If your child is interested in the full service or just more comfortable sitting with you, that is fine with us. We have activity bags that can be picked up outside the sanctuary. These bags contain crayons, new coloring activities, and games each week for your child. We understand that babies and young children make noise and that they may need to nurse or have a snack. For these reasons we have available a room (Cry Room) where parents find it easy to walk or sit with young children and still hear the service.
Special Events for Children
We value intergenerational engagement and work to include children at all gatherings. Some annual events that children especially enjoy are Vacation Bible School each summer, Connect 4 Christ after school program, the Christmas Pageant, summer pool parties and more.
Want to Volunteer to Work with our Children
All volunteers who work with children and youth are required to complete a Safe Sanctuary training class. This class includes a review of the Youth Protection Policy and a criminal background check. Volunteers are required to renew their application every two (2) years. If you’d like to work with our children, please contact the church office at (512) 285-4503.