Children's Ministry (Director - Laura Gingrich)


Summer Events

July 19-21, 2012
Family Camp


Several First Church families had a blast last summer and more are planning to join us as we return to Mt. Asbury in 2012! Be sure to check out the many other great camps that are offered through the Susquehanna Conference at www.susumcamps.org - scholarships are available - contact Laura Gingrich for more information.

August 6-10, 2012
Vacation Bible School


Every summer the First Church Family opens its doors to the community for a week of
fun, fellowship and faith development for children in preschool through fifth grade. We are very excited about this year’s curriculum - God’s Good Green Earth! - written by Audrey Wilder!

Our Church is a Safe Sanctuary for Children

FUMC adopted and implemented a Safe Sanctuary Program to make certain that our children are revered in the way Jesus intended and that coming to church is a happy occasion. Under the policy, which protects both children and vulnerable adults from abusive situations, we have taken steps to make certain that opportunities for such situations are minimized and that we have effective means in place for reporting and addressing suspected abuse, whether it should happen at church or during a church activity, or elsewhere.

There are heightened screening procedures for new and existing employees, as well as for volunteers who have regular contact with our children. These procedures include criminal background checks, child abuse history clearances and reference checks. FUMC's standard practice for activities including children is that two adults are present at all times. On occasions where two adults cannot be present all the time, a second adult will be available and checking in on the group periodically.

If a volunteer or church employee receives a good faith report of abuse of a child, reporting processes are in place to insure information gets reported to the pastors and to the authorities in a prompt manner that maintains the confidentiality of the child and the person accused while an investigation is completed. We train employees and volunteers about our Safe Sanctuary Program and trust the result of our efforts will be an environment that helps our church and its employees and volunteers to serve children in the manner Christ intended.


Sunday School

Sunday School is an opportunity for children to come and learn more about Christian faith in a small group setting. Classes are offered every Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. for children age two through grade 5.

Thee Owl's Nest
Preschoolers enjoy and learn in The Owl's nest on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Located adjacent to the nursery, this program follows a preset curriculum for this age group and includes music, a Bible story, craft, games and a snack.

The Tree House
If you are in grades Kindergarten through fifth, come join The Tree House on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30. We start off with a short worship time together before separating into our grade levels to go to workshops.


Nursery Care

Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers during all three Sunday morning worship services (7:45 a.m. - noon) and during many of our weekday events. Please see our Nursery page for more information.  


Seeds  

“Seeds”, a children’s group for those in grades K-2, is a place "Where growing with God is fun for  everyone!" Bring your friends! Seeds in the Primary Sunday school classrooms from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Sprouts

“Sprouts,” a children’s group for those in grades 3-5, is a place where children grow closer to God as they learn about covenant discipleship through prayer, discussions, mission projects and fun activities. Invite your friends to join us! Sprouts meet from 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge.
 


Musical Programs for Children

There are many opportunities for children to be involved with music at First Church. Please see our Music Ministry page for more information.  


Mothers Together

Something special for Mothers! Mothers Together, a fun fellowship group for moms of infants and young children, meets during the school year from 9:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. on various dates. Come join this delightful group of ladies! Contact Laura Gingrich at 533-9668 for more information. Please see our Adult Ministry page for more small groups.


Parent Resources

Children in Worship
We welcome children in all worship services! This brochure describes children's actions and thoughts in worship encouraging you to bring your children to worship.

How Adults Can Nurture Children in the Christian Faith
Ideas for how to nurture Christian faith in our kids inside and outside the church.

Sensory Sensitivity Inventory
There are children in our community that have sensory sensitivities that may make it challenging for them to participate as fully as they would wish during worship and other church gatherings. Please fill out this inventory so we can become more adaptable and accommodating as a church community.



February 2012 on Sunday Mornings
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Thee Owl's Nest
(for Preschoolers)

This month, we will teach our preschoolers to: “Love . . . God with all your heart,” (Matthew 22:37, NIrV). And how do we love God with our all our hearts? Why, we look to Jesus to teach us! Through the month of February, Jesus will teach us how to love God. We can love God by loving others, and we can love God by talking to God through prayer.

The Tree House...Self-control!
(Grades K-5)

Honor - "Letting others know how valuable they really are"

Our bottom lines for each week will be...
Week 1: Honor those who are overlooked.
Week 2: Honor others more than yourself.
Week 3: Honor those who are over you.

Worship Pockets for Children, ages 3 to 11, are available in at the Welcome Center! Pockets contain items to help your child understand worship. Each child may claim one for his/her very own. Children learn by doing, so worship together as a family!

There are some great ideas in our Parent Resources section!

Music Ministry Opportunity for Children & Youth
Any piano or instrumental student wishing to play a sacred or classical selection appropriate for Worship, please contact
Shawn Gingrich at 533-9668.