CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Children’s Mission Statement

We are a family of God. We believe children are gifts from God. Our children’s ministry mission is to minister to each child and his/her family through a variety of children’s programs from infants through sixth grade/Preteens.

Children’s’ Sundays School

FUMC believes that Christian Education is vital to Christian development and nurture. We also believe that Sunday school is a key element to a well-grounded Christian Education Program. Therefore, we offer Sunday school for children 2 years-6^th grades each week. Our Sunday school curriculum includes study of scripture, prayer, related games and craft activities.

2 year olds through Kindergarten age children use Godly Play, which is a Montessori style of presenting the Bible stories to the children and encouraging them to respond. 1^st – 6^th grade use Exploring Faith, God’s Word for God’s Children, prepared by Cokesbury. This curriculum includes Bible stories that are presented in such a way to incorporate all learning styles. Through this format our hope is every child will come closer to God.

Through the methods the bible stories are present during Sunday school our prayer is the children will see, hear and think God’s message in their day to day lives.

Our Church Nursery

The nursery is prepared to aid new parents with the care of their babies and toddlers. 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. There are 2 nurseries available in our Gregg Hoffeinz Education Building, one nursery for infants/crawlers and the other for toddlers/walkers. Our nurseries are available during both worship service and Sunday school

Ministry to New Parents

Babies were brought to Jesus and Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18: 15-16) Reaching out to new babies is a special part of the FUMC ministry to families. A special gift of a cradle cross is given to newborn babies at FUMC. This is a gift that comes from the church family at FUMC San Marcos as we welcome these new additions to our church body. The cradle cross is a symbol we use to celebrate the joy of new life.

Childcare

Parents needing childcare for church events other than Sunday morning must call prior to the event to make reservations. Call Katrina Allison at the church office (392-6001). Reservations help the childcare workers to maintain a proper ratio of workers to children and ensure quality care for your child.

Acolytes

FUMC worship services are led by acolytes each week. These acolytes are 4^th – 6^th graders 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 are called to carry the “Light of Christ” out into the world as they symbolically leave with their wands lit. Fourth – sixth graders are invited to attend acolyte training and to become a part of this very special ministry.

Little Lambs

Little Lambs is a program for 2 and 3 year old children held during the 11 o'clock Sunday services. Each week the children are presented a bible verse and related song, snack, or craft in an age appropriate, fun, and insightful manner. The Little Lambs program is offered each Sunday in room 115 from 11 o'clock until the services are over.

"Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs." John 21:15

Christ Kids

Christ Kids is a program during 11:00 worship service for children ages 4 years through 1^st Grade. This program allows the children to experience the beginning of the worship service and then leave the worship service after ‘children’s time’. These children meet in our Children’s Chapel and then room 118. They hear Bible lessons and experience many different fun activities such as art projects, games, books, blocks etc…. Laura Callihan is our Christ Kids leader.

Older children are invited and encouraged to attend worship.

Worship Readiness

A 13-week program offered each fall to 2^nd/3^rd grade children. The purpose of this study is to help Children and their parents strengthen their participation in the congregational worship. The goal is for the participation families to come away from this study with a greater understanding of what worship offers to everyone regardless of age.

Sounds of Celebration Children’s Choir

Kindergarten – 2^nd Graders

3^rd - 6^th graders

Wednesdays 3:30 – 5:00

This program includes a snack/playtime, craft time and choir time. The children do a variety of crafts such as making puppets, bracelets, cards for the sick etc…During choir the children learn proper singing techniques, choral songs, chimes, and some music theory. The children share their vocal and chime worship skills in selected Sunday morning worship services. School pick up is available upon request. For more information about this exciting program please contact the church office.

Third Graders receive Bibles

God’s word is the base of our Christian walk in life. We present Bibles to our 3^rd grade children as recognition of these children being old enough to study the scripture on their own.

Preteen Activities

(4^th – 6^th graders)

Many activities are planned throughout the year for our preteens. Some of the activities are as follows: holiday parties, lock-ins, camp, mission work, VBS etc…

Preteen Camp

3rd – 5^th Graders

Our church participates in the Austin District Preteen camp. These preteens participate in Bible lessons/activities, ropes courses/team building, crafts, swimming, recreation, music, and much more.

Camp 2005 will be in June.

Children’s Sabbath

Once a year the children of our church plan, practice and do the entire worship service. Here the preteens are acting out the sermon/message for the day.

Family Christmas Craft Day

A day families come together to have fun making Christmas crafts/gifts.

Family Christmas Eve Pageant

The pageant is a reenactment of the Christmas story. The children dress in costume, sing and act out the pageant. All ages participate in the pageant. Our three year old children begin the service by bring in hay to lie in baby Jesus’ manger.