Sunday School Classes for Children (9:40 - 10:40 a.m.)

First Church provides a class for all children, from toddlers through the fifth grade. Each class uses a Bible-based curriculum appropriate to the age level, taught by a team of dedicated volunteer teachers. Our primary goal is to give children a sense of what it means to live in a Christian community, along with a basic knowledge of the foundational stories of our faith. Children's Classes meet in the Childrens Building or the Sancturary Building.

ACOLYTES: FUMC worship services are led by a team of acolytes each week. The acolytes are children who have undergone a training class. The acolytes lead the procession by bringing the “Light of Christ” into our worship service and lighting the candles. The acolytes extinguish the candles at the end of the service and remind us that each of us is called to carry the “Light of Christ” out into the world as they symbolically leave with their wands lit. Any child in 4th grade or higher is invited to attend acolyte training and to become a part of this very special ministry.

CHILDCARE: The Sunday morning nursery program is provided for infants and toddlers to allow them the opportunity to experience God’s love by making church a safe place to play and grow. Childcare is available for infants in ? during the Sunday School hour and worship.  Childcare is available in ? for three and four year olds during worship. Older children are invited and encouraged to attend worship. Childcare is provided in ? for meetings during the week depending on the age of the children.

PRESENTATION OF BIBLES: Studying Scripture is one of the most important ways we learn about God. FUMC presents personal Bibles to each third grade student as a statement of their growing faith development and as recognition of their being old enough to study Scripture on their own.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Vacation Bible School is held each summer for area children.  This program offers children five mornings of music, snacks, games, crafts and Bible study in a fun and relaxed environment.

PROMOTION POLICY: A child’s birthday must occur prior to September 30 to be promoted to the next grade level. Example: A child who turns 3 on October 1 of a given year would remain in the 2-year-olds’ class until the following year.

For more information call the Director of Christian Education, Becky Poor, Director of Christian Education , at 225-383-4777, ext. 231, or becky@firstmethodist.org, or Rebecca Mitchell, Director of Children's Ministries, ext. 239, or rebecca@firstmethodist.org.