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 following along with The Story using the early elementary curriculum walking through the bible from Genesis to Revelation in 31 weeks.
When: Children’s Church will begin September 17th, 2023 and run through May 19th, 2024
Time: 10-10:30am Sundays
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.
Pathfinders Schedule
Summer 2024 Family BBQ: June 27th, 5:30-7:30 Marion County Park
We will have the church van available to pick up kids from Northstar Elementary. Snacks will be provided!
All 3rd through 5th graders are welcome, regardless of school district or church home.
Living Way Youth
Our 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.
When: 1st and 3rd Sunday from 5-7pm, Last Meeting May 19th
Summer 2024:
Blank Park Zoo: June 11th
Adventureland: July 8th
End of Summer BBQ @ Lauren’s: August 14th, 6-9pm
Upcoming Children's and Family Events
We offer a variety of Children’s and Family events throughout the year. Here is a listing of what we have scheduled for Fall 2023. More events may get added, watch our Facebook page for updated information.
Our Setting
We have newly renovated 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, basketball, concession stand, 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