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.
Special Events:
February Fundraiser – Saturday, Feb. 22nd 4:30-9:15pm (youth time), Parent’s Night Out event time 5-9pm
Iowa Wolves Game – Sunday, Feb. 23rd, leave around 1:30ish (for those that RSVP’d)
Winter Jam – Friday, March 21st, doors open at 6pm
Anticipated Events for Spring/Summer 2025 – Wesley Woods, Mission Trip in June, I Cubs game in July, State Fair in August, along with additional fundraisers.
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! Fall 2024 events will be posted soon.
Game Night
January 30th, 5-7pm
Everyone is invited to get out of the cold and come enjoy some fun and games at the church. Bring your favorite board game to share, or just enjoy the games we have provided. This event will be loads of fun for all ages! Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Parent’s Night Out
February 22nd, 5-9pm
Cost: $30 for first child, $20 for any additional children (same family)
Parents, enjoy a night out and let us watch the kids! We will have a variety of games, crafts, and movies to enjoy along with dinner and snacks. This event is open to anyone. All proceeds go towards funding Youth Group events and trips.
Register by Friday, February 14th by filling out the Registration Form.
Family Movie Night
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