Children's ministry

is designed to assure the safety of our children. Part of this policy includes parent sign in/out procedures. It also requires that all volunteers, including parents who work with children, complete a short screening form and return it to the church office. A felony check is part of this screening process. A written copy of the policy is available in the nursery or by request from the church office.

For more information contact: Audrey Kawel Director of Children’s Ministry audreyk@grandrapidsfumc.org 451.2879 x110

Adoption Ministry Are you passionate about adoption or fostering? Have you adopted a child, been thinking about adoption or providing foster care, or are you adopted yourself? Please join us as we meet to advocate for adoption and foster care, to learn from each other, to share with others the Bible’s passion for adoption, and to support each other as we walk this journey together. Contact Marj Timmerman for more information.

Intentional Faith Development

Child Protection Policy

Moms’ Group This is a wonderful opportunity for moms of young children to meet and support each other. The group usually meets the first Thursday of the month for food, fellowship, and a short program. They also meet the third week of the month for outings or activities together. Kids and dads are welcome too! Led

by Marj Timmerman and Sami Marasigan.

First United Methodist Church

227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451.2879

www.GrandRapidsFUMC.org revised 08/26/14

Children’s Ministry

Infant Nursery (Birth – 23 months) Room 107 9:00 am – noon We welcome you and your child to the First Church nursery! Our mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for your child while you participate in adult education classes and worship services. The First Church nursery is staffed by experienced individuals who are knowledgeable of nursery procedures and emergency plans.

They provide loving care and delight in getting to know both children and parents of our church. You can easily identify staff and helpers by their royal blue aprons.

Toddler Nursery (age 2 - 3) Room 106 Open from 9:00 am – noon Children learn simple Bible stories, songs, and have time for explorative play.

Children & Worship (older 3s – Pre K) Rooms 204/201 9:15 – 10:15 am Children are invited to a time of Biblical story telling and worship in our Children’s Worship Centers. This approach to worship allows children to participate in the stories of God, to actually experience God’s presence, and carry the meaning of these stories into their own lives. Children should be preschool ready and potty trained to attend this class.

Faith Travelers (grades K – 6) Third Floor 9:15 – 10:30 am Elementary-aged children start in worship with their families and then are dismissed for Faith Travelers. Children will experience foundational Biblical stories by using a variety of learning styles.

Each week, children and their shepherd will rotate into a new learning center where they will explore the Bible through story-telling, puppetry, drama, video, music, art, cooking, crafts or games.

One Room Schoolhouse (age 4 - grade 2) Room 202 11:00 am – noon Children attend 11:00 am worship with their families before being dismissed to the One Room Schoolhouse following Moments with the Children.

This is a traditional classroom setting where children learn Bible stories accompanied by appropriate activities and crafts.

Children in grades 3 - 6 are invited to be active participants in our 11:00 am worship service in the sanctuary.

A special children’s page and worship bags with appropriate materials are provided to help children focus on meaningful moments within the service.

Arts Children and youth will express their faith through age appropriate music, art, dance, and theater. Children will perform in our worship services several times throughout the school year.

Kids’ Club (grades 3 - 6) Wesley Hall 5:00 - 7:00 pm Involves children in fun, service, prayer, and friendship as they learn what it means to be part of a Christian community.

A meal is provided for $2.00. Child care is available for younger children whose parents participate in church programming.