FUMC Children’s Newsletter May-June 2008

The May-June 2008 newsletter includes: Summer Camp, Vacation Bible School, Music & Arts Week, Special Classes. It also includes the following forms that require signature of parent/guardian: Camper Health History Form 2008, 2008 Summer Camp Registration Form, Vacation Bible School 2008 Registration.

Introduction

At First United Methodist Church (FUMC) children are a high priority.  We offer a variety of programs including: New Adventure Bible Class for 3^rd graders, WACCI Wednesdays, Kids For Christ (KFC) for 5^th and 6^th graders, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  In addition, we have a part-time pre-school, the Learning Enrichment Program (LEP) and a full-time pre-school Noah’s Ark.  We offer school age child care programs on site at N.B. Cook, Myrtle Grove and Ferry Pass schools.  There is also school age child care offered daily at the church.  Our programs are open not only to church members but to the community as well.

Power Express

Children's Sunday School meets Sundays: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. for Kindergarten – 5th grade. In order to remain faithful to the vows made by the congregation at every baptism, First United Methodist Church provides a meaningful Christian Education experience for every age. We want our children to develop a lifelong relationship with the Lord and his church. We are proud to use the Workshop Rotation Model. Themes are presented in 6 week units. This model allows children to experience the Word of God in a different workshop each week using the multiple intelligence approach. Themes are presented in 6 week units starting with an assembly week.

The Workshops

Creation Station

Students use art to gain hands on knowledge of the Bible story theme.

Music/Movement

Students learn songs and play games themed around the Bible story.

Cross dot Org

Children have the opportunity to use computers to play theme-related games as well as create Bible story related projects.

Synagogue

This station tells the current Bible story in detail using games, storybooks and crafts.

Out of the Box

This station is always different. It ranges from cooking projects to science experiments to video clips all related to our current Bible story theme.

Children's Worship

FUMC believes that all of God’s children are welcome in worship (even the squirmy ones). We offer worship bags (located in bins near the sacristy) that can be filled with items designed to help keep your children engaged in worship. These bins are designed with Kindergartners and 1^st graders in mind, but any age child is welcome to use them.

Nursery

The purpose of the nursery of First United Methodist Church Pensacola, FL is to introduce the infant to an awareness of an accepting and loving God; to offer the child a safe, secure learning environment; and to think of church as my church -- the happy place; and to show the child that he/she is received into this family with understanding, love and acceptance.

Sunday morning nurseries are available for the worship services during Sunday School as well as other church activities. We have 3 separate nurseries including: infants, toddlers and 3 and 4 year olds.” All of our nurseries are staffed with both paid employees and volunteers. We want you and your children to feel good coming to the nursery. To that end, some of our goals are: a cheerful atmosphere, clean, safe and inviting rooms, and a staff that models Christian love and acceptance.. Key to a relaxing worship experience for the parents, our nursery staff utilizes the Silent Pager Program. If you are needed back in the nursery, the staff will activate your pager immediately. The pagers are also a wonderful security measure -- children are returned to the parent when their assigned pager is turned in.

New Adventure Bible Class

The New Adventure Bible class is specially designed for Third Graders. All third graders receive Bibles in January of each year and the New Adventure Group begins to meet on the following Sunday. This class helps children learn to use their Bibles through a variety of hands on approaches. Music, games and art are just a few of the ways we make this class a blast!! Look for dates and times in the FUMC newsletter, The Methodist Witness. (also on the Calendar page of this web site)

Our Behavior Covenant
For 3 year olds through 5th graders

The Expectations for God's children.

In this church, the following will be upheld for me:

• Others will be expected to treat me with kindness.
• I can feel good about myself.
• I will be safe.
• I will be heard and will be able to listen to others.
• I will be able to learn for myself and about myself.

The Expectations of God's Children

In this church, I too, have a Christian responsibility. The following guidelines will be expected of me:

• I will respect the facilities.
• I will respect my care giver and all church staff, church members and guests.
• I will treat my peers and fellow church members as I would like to be treated.

Parents: Please review these expectations with your children and then come by Miss Emily's office to sign the covenant!

Weekday Programs

The Learning Enrichment Program (LEP) offers a quality Christian preschool program from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Monday through Friday for children from birth through pre-kindergarten.

The Noah’s Ark Learning Center is an outreach program to meet the needs of working parents and to provide quality educational/developmental experience within a safe nurturing Christian environment. We offer a full day program for children 1-4 years of age and after school care for Kindergarten through 5th grade with transportation provided from some schools.

WACCI

Every Wednesday afternoon our children in Kindergarten -5th grades gather for our Christian after school enrichment program. WACCI is designed to help children cultivate their creative abilities. It also seeks to highlight the connection between worship and self expression. Each semester different class options will be offered. Children may come at 2:30 p.m. and will have a homework and snack time was well as a time for recreation. Children may also choose to come at 3:30 p.m. and only do the class option. Limited transportation is available from some school sites.

Welcome to Club 56
Club 56 is First United Methodist Church’s after school enrichment program for tweens. Composed of 5th and 6th graders, Club 56 provides students with a unique opportunity to take an eclectic variety of workshops taught by members of the congregation.

Vacation Bible School

This one week long “day camp” is packed with music, stories, crafts, and lots more!! Each year we explore a new theme that helps us understand how much God loves us and how we can enact that love in his service.

Retreats and Camps

Each year in the fall and winter, overnight retreats are held for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. These retreats are designed to help our children connect with each other and with God in a deeper way. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend retreats as chaperones and leaders.

We also provide a week–long summer camping experience for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. There is a new theme each year, but summer camp is always an amazing opportunity to get away and get with God. Swimming, recreation and crafts are also included in the camp experience. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend as leaders and chaperones.