Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry
At FUMC we strive to provide a fun, welcoming environment to all, while helping children and families grow in their faith together.
Children's Church
Children’s Church is available for kids ages 3 – 2nd grade. After Children’s Time during our regular church services on Sundays, the children are invited to go downstairs to Kids Kingdom for the remainder of the service to learn about their bible story for the day. Similar to Sunday School, it walks the kids through the bible with fun, interactive activities for each story. This year we will be using the Deep Blue curriculum from Cokesbury. Each session the kids learn about a new bible story with the help of videos, crafts, games, worksheets, and more!
When: Sundays, 10am (during worship); September 13th, 2026 through May 23rd, 2027
Pathfinders
Pathfinders is for 3rd-5th grade children. They will enjoy a 6-7 week series each semester focusing on finding their path in God’s Kingdom. These series will focus on short bible lessons, team building, fellowship, self-discovery, and service. This group meets after school and transportation is available from Northstar Elementary in Knoxville.
Pathfinders Schedule
Fall Schedule
Time: 3:30-5pm
Dates: Tuesdays, October 13th, 20th, 27th, November 3rd, 10th, and 24th
Living Way Youth
Youth Group is comprised of youth in grades 6-12. This group will enjoy bible lessons focusing on getting to know God and Jesus and answering some of life’s questions. They also participate in team building, games, fellowship, service projects, mission trips, and more.
Living Way Youth welcome anyone who wishes to participate. The youth assist in planning events such as service projects, mission trips, and more.
2026-2027 Dates:
Regular meetings – 1st and 3rd Sunday, September through May, 5-7pm
October 18th – Pumpkin Painting
November 1st
November 15th – Friendsgiving
November 25th – 10am-2pm Pie Baking
December 6th – Christmas Light Tour
December 13th – Bake Sale, 9am
December 19th – Saturday, Cookie Baking, Time TBD
Upcoming Children's and Family Events
We offer a variety of Children’s and Family events throughout the year. Watch here and on Facebook for upcoming events!
Our Setting
We have wonderful spaces for our Children’s and Youth Ministries with bright, colorful, inviting rooms that are multifunctional for a variety of activities. We also have access to an indoor play area, outdoor playground, and our new Family Life Center featuring pickleball, volleyball, and meeting space.
Director of Children's, Youth, and Family Ministry
My name is Lauren Petersen and I am the Children’s, Youth, and Families Ministry Director. Here is a little bit of information about me. My husband Jacob and I have two daughters, Nora and Anna. We live on a farm outside of Knoxville where we raise sheep along with a menagerie of other farm animals. I love spending time outside on the farm doing chores and helping my girls with all their animals. In the summers we travel all around the state showing sheep. In my spare time I love to read, swim, go for walks, and just enjoy the outdoors.
I love being a part of First United Methodist Church’s staff and look forward to getting to know all our wonderful families and kids. My goal in this position is to make a positive impact on peoples lives and help our children and youth grow in their faith and understanding of God. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Email address: lpetersen@kfumc.com or call 641-842-3712