"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
firstkids Ministries
FirstChurch welcomes, treasures, and celebrates each child. We rejoice with parents over their God-given children, and are privileged to provide support in their discipleship. Our children are not only the future of the church, but an important part of our present. FirstChurch strives to nurture, educate, and include children in all parts of the life of this church.
Children’s Church:
Children’s Church offers a time of worship for young children (ages 4-2nd Grade). Following the Children's Sermon, firstkids are led by our firstkids staff to our newly remodeled Children's Church Area where they sing energetic praise songs, get into a Bible story, and create hands-on craft projects. Children’s Church allows firstkids to experience worship their way in a fast-paced, fun environment.
Sunday School:
Sunday School for firstkids (Preschool through 5th grade) runs from 9:30-10:30am. Each of our firstkids' Sunday School Classes are age-based (Preschool - ages 3 & 4, Kinder & 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 4th & 5th) and are located in various rooms on the 2nd Floor of our Education Building. We utilize a multi-media approach to teach our children through music, video, and hands-on Bible lessons with Cokesbury's Live B.I.G. Curriculum.
Confirmation:
Confirmation is a time for 6th graders (and those that have not yet completed confirmation) to learn about the church and claim the faith for themselves. Confirmands have adult mentors, a secret prayer partner, visit other churches, do “Peter’s Walk”, and go on a retreat. Once Confirmation is completed, these youth are welcomed into the Congregation as new members in a special service. Confirmation meets in the Basement floor of the Education Building (9:30-10:30 a.m. – September through May).
Confirmation Orientation will be held Sunday, August 29, 2010. Parents are requested to attend Orientation. Confirmation classes will begin Sunday, September 12, 2010.
Confirmation Retreat is set for April 8-10, 2011 at Camp Butman. Deadline to register for Confirmation Retreat is Sunday, March 27, 2011.
Mission: Possible
Mission:Possible is a Summer Missions Project for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Mission: Possiblers meet on Wednesday mornings throughout the Summer months along with the 4th-6th Graders from Sierra Vista UMC and St. Luke UMC to complete Mission and Service Projects in and around the Community.
During the early fall and spring there are Wednesday night classes and choirs for firstkids from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday Night Activities will begin on September 15, 2010.
Wednesday Night Activities
During early Fall and Spring, we offer firstkids opportunities in Christian Education called our Fall and Spring Academies. The Fall Academy will begin Wednesday, September 15, 2010. Various Choirs and Classes meet 5:30-7:30pm. Below is a list and description of what is offered:
Children’s Choirs
NOTE: ALL 3 CHILDREN'S CHOIRS ARE CURRENTLY BREAKING FOR SUMMER. Rehearsals are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, September 15, 2010.
All three children’s choirs meet each Wednesday evening at various times.
Alleluia Choir (Ages 4-6) meets in the Choir Room at 5:30-6:00pm.
Prime Chimes Choir (Ages 7-12) meets seasonally in the Hand Bell Room at 5:30-6:00pm.
Heaven’s Harmony Children’s Choir (Ages 7-12) meets in the Choir Room from 6:00-6:30pm.
There is no audition process to join a children’s choir at FirstChurch. Kids (ages 4-12) are welcome to join at any time.
HeartShapers Preschoolers gather in the classroom next to the Nursery at 6:30pm where they learn Biblical concepts and stories through an age-appropriate curriculum called HeartShapers. Through HeartShapers, children are introduced to God, His Son, His Word, and His Church through active participation in Bible stories and Bible study, multisensory learning, and Bible skill-building activities.
Discipleship Junction Kindergarten-3rd Grade meets from 6:30-7:30pm in Room 204 of the Education Building where they participate in Discipleship Junction. Each lesson is jam-packed with interactive Bible stories and skits, scripture memory verses, activities and games, and even themed snacks to engage every child. Take-home pages involve moms and dads and help reinforce the message, too, with Bible readings and family activities.
Coming this Fall for 4th-6th Graders:
The Princess and the Kiss: Planting seeds of purity in young girls' hearts.
The Squire and the Scroll: A young man's battle plans for a pure heart.
Acolytes:
We want our children to participate in worship, and Acolyting is an excellent way. Children in 3rd - 6th grades are encouraged to join the Acolyte Program. Acolytes duties include lighting and extinguishing the candles at the beginning and end of the worship services in the Sanctuary. Other duties include leading the Lord's Prayer during the service, helping with Baptisms, and special occasion Sundays.
Bibles for 3rd Graders:
We want our children to learn to love the Bible, so we give each 3rd grader the gift of a Bible from the church. It starts with a sleepover during the Fall Semester where the 3rd graders gather together for Bible games, fun guest speakers, learning about the Bible, and a movie. On the following Sunday the 3rd Graders receive their Bibles in a special segment of our worship. The 2010 3rd Grade Bible Sleepover is scheduled for Friday, September 17. The following Sunday, September 19, 2010, Bibles will be presented to our Third Graders.
Other great opportunities:
- Trunk or Treat
- Third Grade Bible Sleepover
- Annual Baby Shower
- Easter Egg Hunt and Picnic
- Kids' Nite Out
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