Children
We love children at First United Methodist Church Gainesville! We recognize that children teach us as much as we teach children. We try in everything we do with children, to help them feel God’s love and grace. We do not think of children as Christians “in waiting”, but rather see them as Christians ready to share the love of Christ with anyone! FUMC Gainesville provides Christian education opportunities for the whole family. You will find numerous opportunities throughout the year for education, fellowship and worship.
Ongoing Ministries:
Children on Wednesday (C.O.W.)
This midweek fellowship group brings children from local schools, daycare and outlying schools on our buses. They enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games, music, and mission activities. Divided in to age groups, C.O.W. includes ages 3 through 5th grade and meets during the school year from 3:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m.
Acolytes
Another experience in learning is the training of boys and girls, grades 3-5, serving the church as Acolytes. Taking the light of Christ into the worship experience at our 10:45 a.m. service and then out into the world at the end of the service, becomes a vital lesson of worship. These young people are trained and directed on Sunday mornings by Kim Bell and Jane Dobson.
Confirmation
Confirmation for 6th—8th grade students is led each year in the spring by our pastor, Don Yeager. He teaches the children what it means to become a disciple of Christ and join a church fellowship. These lessons occur on Wednesday afternoons during April and May. The children are then offered membership and/or baptism if they choose.
Summer Activities for Children
Summer Camp For Kids
Summer camping activities are offered to boys and girls in grades 3-6. Partially sponsored by friends at FUMC, the conference camp at Lake Bridgeport prepares children and youth for God’s call upon their lives. (And of course, it’s great fun.) Dates for each summer are planned in the winter, so watch for announcements to plan your child’s week of camp.
Vacation Bible School
For children ages 3 through 5th grade, VBS captures the hearts of our children and adults and those of our community who join us each summer in June. Costumed storytellers, puppets, great music, science experiments, fun snacks, creative crafts, games, and mission activities send our children out each day singing and telling their experiences of God’s love.
Kids Day Out
July of each summer is devoted to trips, just for fun, for children age 5 through grade 5. Children under age 5 must have a personal escort. We travel many miles to provide experiences as a church group. Friends are welcome, as are parents, each Wednesday of the month. (Due to summer camps happening in July this year, Kids Day Out will not be a 2012 experience for our children).
Music Camp in July
The month of July includes one week of music camp. Led by our church music director, we learn and perform a children’s musical in one week. We try to add a special event during the week that pertains to the theme. It’s a lot of work and learning and fun! registration is required.
