Children’s Ministries at First Church are designed to share with the children the many ways that God impacts their lives, and how, as they grow, they can be a part of spreading that message to others in their world. We acknowledge their different ages and abilities in the variety of programs which we provide, and we look forward to their participation.

Sunday School (Sept-May) and Children’s Worship opportunities are coordinated to build a foundation for a personal faith in Jesus Christ through age-appropriate learning experiences.

Sunday School – 9:30 am

Classes, taught by dedicated volunteers, are available for preschoolers through 6th graders. Infants and toddlers are cared for by a paid staff person and loving volunteers.

Children’s Worship – 11:00 am

Children in grades K-4 begin worship in the sanctuary and, after the Children’s Message, are welcome to go to Asbury Hall for a children-led, experential worship service.

Childcare is available for infants through preschoolers from 9:30 am-Noon.

ROCK (Reality Of Christ for Kids)

R.O.C.K. is moving to Sunday afternoons! This program is for children ages 4 – 4th grade. We will meet after the kids’ choir rehearsals end at 4:30 pm and share Bible Stories, Crafts, mission projects, robotics, and other activities. The evening for these children will end at 5:30 pm. 

Wesley Youth Group will consist of 5th through 8th graders who will be growing and learning together in faith and integrity. They will be learning to understand and use their Bibles, serve their community, both locally and globally.

Wesley Youth Fellowship will meet from 5:45-7:00pm with Kattie Priebe.

      Wesley Outings-Are planned throughout the year depending on interest and volunteer availability.

2026-27 Wesley Outings Schedule
Aug. 7-8 Wesley family camp and cookout
Sep.5 Hike at Cascade Vally, Celebration trailhead
Oct.10  Pumpkin farm Kingsway
Nov. 7 Project Feed Kent UMC
Dec 5 or 6 (TBD) Christmas caroling /party
Jan 1 – 2 New Years Eve Lock-In
Feb 26 – 28 grades 6-8 Camp Asbury

This year’s camp dates are Feb. 26-28 at Asbury.

We had a fabulous time at VBS in June! Check back in Spring 2027 for information about next year’s theme and dates.

 

Family Information Card

Liability, Medical & Photo Release

Please make sure we have an updated forms on file year school year for your child to participate in our programs.  Thank you!

We had a fabulous time at Chess Camp 2026! Check back in spring 2027 for next year’s date and registration information.

 

Bethlehem Choir
Children ages Preschool-4th will now be rehearsing with Betsy Booth from 4-4:30 pm on Sunday afternoons for Bethlehem Choir. There will also be rehearsals led by Marie Guarneri for pre-school aged children attending Weekday Christian Preschool (here at First Church) on Wednesday afternoons from 2:45-3:15 pm, and an after school choir with kids from Anchor School (the homeschool co-op) from 3:30-4:00 on Wednesdays. These groups will combine to sing once a month in worship during second service. 

Wesley Choir
We have an exciting new opportunity for your 5-8th grader this year. Starting in September, Wesley Choirs will meet on Sundays from 4:00-5:15 pm, share fellowship with Epworth Choir during “Snack Supper” from 5:15-5:45 pm. Wesley Choir will meet from 4-4:45 pm and Bells will meet from 4:45-5:15 pm. Our hope is to schedule a mini choir tour this February. 

Below is a sample schedule for Bethlem & Wesley on Sunday afternoons:

4:00-4:30 Bethlehem Choir (Preschool-4th)

4:30-5:30 R.O.C.K. Activities (4-4th grade)

4:00-5:15 Wesley Youth Choir & Bells (5th-8th grade)

5:15-5:45  Wesley/Epworth “Snack Supper” 

5:45-7:00 Wesley Youth Fellowship (5th-8th)

We can always use parent volunteers! Please contact Marie Willis-Guarneri if you’d like to help or have any questions about our music programming. 

EPWORTH YOUTH GROUP

JOIN US SUNDAY EVENINGS @4:00PM FOR FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND FUN!

Each week is a little different, but two things remain the same; our commitment to Christ and our commitment to engaging young people in meaningful ways.

Our Mission: To engage in the lives of students and families of the community, to lead them to Christ so all may live as deeply committed Christians.

Our Vision: Changing Lives, Transforming Communities, Engaging the World

Our Journey: Loving God through worship, service with others, and witness in fellowship.

CONFIRMATION

At First UMC, Confirmation is a two-year process of spiritual exploration and Christian Education. The goal is to equip our young people with what they need to say “YES” to God and take responsibility for their relationship with Christ. Confirmation takes place during our Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30am) for 7th-8th graders. If your child is interested in beginning their Confirmation journey please contact Pastor Howard Pippin (fallsfirstpippin@gmail.com). Entering a later grade and didn’t go through our Confirmation process? Let us know and we will help you find the right placement for your young person!

EPWORTH CHOIR & BELLS

Our talented youth musicians rehearse on Sunday evenings from 5:45-8:00pm. More information about our music programming for young people can be found on our Music Ministries page.