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: Children’s Church will begin September 15th, 2024 through May 18th, 2025
Time: 10-10:30am Sundays
No Children’s Church: April 20th.
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
Spring 2025 Dates: Tuesdays 3:30-5pm, March 25th, April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
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. Please contact Lauren Petersen at lpetersen@kfumc.com to register.
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.
2024-2025 Dates:
Regular meetings on the first and third Sunday of each month from 5-7pm beginning September 15th through May 18th, no Youth Group April 20th.
Summer Events:
2nd Sunday Sundae’s: Come enjoy ice cream and catching up on the 2nd Sunday of the month this summer. Dates: June 8th, July 13th, and August 10th. Time: 4-5pm, Location: Kone Korner
Mission Trip: June 24th-26th. Come with us to St. Louis as we embark on our first mission trip. We will enjoy serving through a couple different organizations and enjoy the sights in St. Louis like the Zoo and Gateway Arch. For more details, contact Lauren at lpetersen@kfumc.com.
I Cubs Game: July 29th. The youth are invited to join us for our church wide I Cubs game on July 29th. No adult needed for Living Way Youth members, a chaperone will be provided by Lauren. See below for more details.
Iowa State Fair Day: August 8th. Experience the joys and fun of the Iowa State Fair with your friends as we enjoy a day out taking in the sights, food, and activities the fair offers.
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