Where kids feel they belong

A place where kids matter and where they feel that they belong

Our program is designed to excite kids from birth through 5th grade about knowing God, loving others and serving the world.

I appreciate that you put so much thought into creating fun and educational experiences for our kids each week. Your love for the kids, the church family, and God shines through every Sunday. Thank you for all you do!

FUMC Parent

Join us!

Interested in receiving Children’s Ministry emails from us? Sign up here. View upcoming Children’s Ministry events here.

A note to families during this uncertain pandemic time: We are continuing the ‘pause’ on our children’s programming to keep our families safe. We invite all families to attend worship service together. Downtown worship is on Sundays at 10 a.m., and Green Wood worship is on Saturdays at 5 p.m. In the meantime, we are actively working on plans to safely relaunch our in-person Children’s Ministry. We will keep you updated.

Our ‘Childrens’ Time video is a service specially created for our FUMC families. You can find it on the FUMC Ann Arbor YouTube channel. It is a fun playlist of interesting Bible story read-alouds, messages from our pastors, and upbeat kids music.

Nursery

(Ages birth – 2 years)

A safe and warm environment with consistent caregivers for our tiniest disciples.

Preschool-Kindergarten

Small Group Leaders guide children in learning and discussing Bible stories through creative play and fun activities.

Elementary

(1st-4th grades)

Children learn the stories and lessons of the Bible through a dynamic Large Group Presentation followed by Small Group connection, discussion and fun activities led by dedicated Small Group Leaders. During “Service Sundays”, children learn to share their faith through meaningful and engaging service projects.

Pre-teen

(5th grade)

We recognize that Pre-Teens need their own safe space to ask those big bold questions while exploring how they fit into God’s plan. Our Pre-teens are part of the Large Group/Small Group format with a path toward increased church leadership. The result of this is a unique pre-teen curriculum with additional service projects and community engagement.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Family Camp

This annual spring retreat offers unique opportunities for families geared towards building friendships and spiritual growth in an outdoor setting. Expect to be unplugged from electronic devices while participating in the many camp activities including archery, kayaking, canoeing, zip lines, soccer, capture the flag, gaga pit, climbing tower, fishing, swimming, creating crafts, and a high ropes course.

Acolyting

Kids ages 3rd – 5th grade can take part in our church service to help people worship God. Every Sunday the acolytes light the candles on the altar. Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us. When the acolytes bring the light (fire) into the sanctuary, they are reminding people that God is with us in our worship service. Annual training sessions for new acolytes are held each fall and for new acolytes during the year.

Children’s Choirs

Three different age specific choirs (preschool, 1st/2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade) rehearse weekly and regularly present special music in Sunday morning worship services. These choirs also perform an annual children’s musical and occasionally participate in large music celebrations with the adult choirs.