children
Welcome to United Methodist Kids!
The children’s ministry at Murray First is for children ages birth through 6th Grade.
We look forward to seeing you and your children on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings!
Fellowship 456 lock-in
Get excited for our 4th-6th grade lock-in on March 15! Drop off at 7 PM. Eat dinner before you come.
Pick up at 7 AM on Saturday, March 16. Be sure to sign yourself up and your friends by Wednesday, March 13.
Theme: 1 Timothy 4:12
DAYSHORE Camp
DayShore is a partnership between local ministries and Lakeshore Camp and Retreat Center to provide an opportunity for campers to experience the joy of summer camp within their own community. Together, Lakeshore and the ministry work to provide a Christ-centered week filled with hands-on lessons about God, out-of-the-box worship, tons of activities, good food, and volunteers to share the love of Christ.
2024 DATE // JUNE 3-7
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a God-centered community event that our church family looks forward to each year!
2024 Theme // SCUBA: Diving into friendship with God
2024 Date // July 8-12 from 5-8 PM each night
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
nursery care
Our nursery is open on Sunday mornings from 8:45-Noon for children ages 0-3. Just go west of the Sanctuary, in the education building. Look for Noah and his friends on the Ark! If you need help finding the nursery, ask one of our friendly ushers. Belongings need to be labeled. We provide diapers and snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please alert us if your child has any allergies.
weekly activities
Sunday Mornings
Children’s Moments and Children’s Worship
9:00 and 11:00 AM
During both morning worship services, children of all ages are welcome to the front of the Sanctuary for a special message. Following the children’s moments, preschoolers through 3rd grade are invited downstairs to God’s BIG Backyard for a Bible lesson, scripture memorization, and craft/activity time. Parents are welcome to join their children or may stay in worship to hear the sermon. To keep our kids safe, all children need to be signed out by a parent or guardian.
Sunday School
Sunday school is a great way for kids to dig in deep to the Bible lessons. Our goal is for the children to have an amazing start to their week! During June and July, we all meet together in God’s Big Backyard for Sunday school. Sunday School Locations (August-May):
Preschool: age 3 and potty trained – 5 years old. Meet on the main level of the education building in the preschool room (across from the nursery).
K-6th: 3 classes based on age (K-1st, 2nd-3rd, & 4th-6th). Meet in the Sunday school hallway, lower level of the education building, next to the Social Hall.
Acolytes
3rd-6th grade children are invited to assist the clergy at the 11 AM Traditional service.
Sunday Nights (August-May)
UMKids Music
Ukulele Practice // 4:00-4:30 PM
Handbells // 4:30-5:00 PM
Fellowship 456
5:00-7:00 PM
4th, 5th, and 6th graders are invited to a time of fellowship, fun, and mission opportunities on Sunday evenings.
Wednesday Nights (August-May)
Wednesday UMKids
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Kindergarten – 6th grade
Meet by grade, come for worship, crafts, Bible lesson, music, and games
Summer (June-July)
Special activities and opportunities for fellowship at various times of the summer.
Our Mission Statement
To partner with families as we lead children to know God personally through Jesus Christ, to help them mature in the character and likeness of Christ, and to put their faith into practice for all their lives.
We require all of our staff and volunteers to go through a Safe Sanctuary program which educates volunteers on the realities of child abuse in the church, strategies for prevention, and includes a criminal background check. In general, adults will be unable to volunteer with children until they have attended for more than three months and have passed their background checks. As Christians, we are called to be diligent in providing the best possible care for the children in our midst including their personal safety.