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 14th, 2025 through May 17th, 2026
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
Spring 2026
February 25th – 3:30-5pm
March 4th – 3:30-7pm, serving free meal at church
March 11th – 3:30-5pm
March 18th – no meeting, spring break
March 25th – 3:30-5pm
April 1st – 3:30-5pm
April 8th – 3:30-5pm
April 15th – 3:30-5pm, last meeting
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.
2025-2026 Dates:
Regular meetings – 1st and 3rd Sunday, September through May
Special Events:
February 13th – Iowa Wild Hockey Game
February 14th – Parent’s Night Out Fundraiser, tentative
March 13th-14th – Ignite Youth Leadership Conference in Des Moines
March 15th – Winter Jam Concert in Des Moines
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 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