Children learn through play and relationships
Our prayer is for children and their families to develop a relationship with our loving God that is supported and developed
in community. Children’s faith formation at First Olympia is centered on how children learn best: by doing, by playing, by building friendships with their
peers, building relationships with the whole church family, and having opportunities to practice their values.
In children’s faith formation we focus on the values of welcome, hospitality, gratitude, generosity kindness, inclusion, love, service and justice.
in community. Children’s faith formation at First Olympia is centered on how children learn best: by doing, by playing, by building friendships with their
peers, building relationships with the whole church family, and having opportunities to practice their values.
In children’s faith formation we focus on the values of welcome, hospitality, gratitude, generosity kindness, inclusion, love, service and justice.
Children’s faith formation is currently offered in these ways:
What's Going On?
Sunday Worship!
We joyfully welcome children in worship and each service includes a "Children's Message" for children to come up to the front and hear a message specially crafted for them. On Sundays, we also offer opportunities for children to be acolytes (candle-lighters), liturgists (scripture readers), and communion stewards. Each year, we also celebrate a Children's Worship Sunday where our kids plan and lead everything from ushering to preaching. We also offer activity packs that includes crayons and activity sheets (which can also be sent home to our online families upon request).
Children's Church!
Following the Children's Message in service, children are welcome to come to our dedicated children's space for crafts, games, and other activities to learn and practice our faith. Children are also welcome to stay in worship with their grownups and the nursery is available for children under 5.
Sacraments!
As a UMC we offer the sacrament of baptism at all ages (infants, children, teens, adults). If you would like to learn more about baptism please contact Pastor Heather or Pastor Alexa.
On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. We practice an "open table," which means that all people are welcome to come forward to receive the bread (or gf cracker) and grape juice. No experience necessary!
Kid's Church Party!
The people most important to a child's growth in faith are the grownups in their home and extended family. So, each month, we offer an in-person gathering for the whole family! During a Kid's Church Party, we spend time together in prayer, play, and service. This gathering includes ways to grow in faith together as a family and a time where grownups go into a separate place for prayer & conversation while the kids pray & play.
Seasonal Traditions!
One of the ways that children experience belonging is through participation in seasonal traditions. At our church this includes things like: Fall Festival, Family Christmas Eve, Easter Egg Hunt/Party, summer fellowship outings, and more!
We joyfully welcome children in worship and each service includes a "Children's Message" for children to come up to the front and hear a message specially crafted for them. On Sundays, we also offer opportunities for children to be acolytes (candle-lighters), liturgists (scripture readers), and communion stewards. Each year, we also celebrate a Children's Worship Sunday where our kids plan and lead everything from ushering to preaching. We also offer activity packs that includes crayons and activity sheets (which can also be sent home to our online families upon request).
Children's Church!
Following the Children's Message in service, children are welcome to come to our dedicated children's space for crafts, games, and other activities to learn and practice our faith. Children are also welcome to stay in worship with their grownups and the nursery is available for children under 5.
Sacraments!
As a UMC we offer the sacrament of baptism at all ages (infants, children, teens, adults). If you would like to learn more about baptism please contact Pastor Heather or Pastor Alexa.
On the first Sunday of the month we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. We practice an "open table," which means that all people are welcome to come forward to receive the bread (or gf cracker) and grape juice. No experience necessary!
Kid's Church Party!
The people most important to a child's growth in faith are the grownups in their home and extended family. So, each month, we offer an in-person gathering for the whole family! During a Kid's Church Party, we spend time together in prayer, play, and service. This gathering includes ways to grow in faith together as a family and a time where grownups go into a separate place for prayer & conversation while the kids pray & play.
Seasonal Traditions!
One of the ways that children experience belonging is through participation in seasonal traditions. At our church this includes things like: Fall Festival, Family Christmas Eve, Easter Egg Hunt/Party, summer fellowship outings, and more!
Service Projects!
Whether it's on Sunday mornings with the whole church family, at Affinity Nights, or as Family Ministries, we strive to offer accessible hands-on ways for children to serve their community. Past examples include baking cookies for Meals on Wheels, blessing bags for our houseless neighbors, and making cards for homebound persons.
Porch Packs!
Families can choose to receive porch packs that include various items to encourage faith sharing at home such as candles, prayer beads, bubbles, cookie mix, clay and more! Porch packs are customized to be age appropriate for your family. Porch packs are distributed to Back to School/September, Advent & Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.
Family Email!
Angelina sends a regular email to families with children that includes tips and resources for how to explore your faith at home.
Prayer & Support!
We are here to journey with your family as we all strive to follow Jesus better. Contact Angelina or fill out a prayer request.
Whether it's on Sunday mornings with the whole church family, at Affinity Nights, or as Family Ministries, we strive to offer accessible hands-on ways for children to serve their community. Past examples include baking cookies for Meals on Wheels, blessing bags for our houseless neighbors, and making cards for homebound persons.
Porch Packs!
Families can choose to receive porch packs that include various items to encourage faith sharing at home such as candles, prayer beads, bubbles, cookie mix, clay and more! Porch packs are customized to be age appropriate for your family. Porch packs are distributed to Back to School/September, Advent & Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.
Family Email!
Angelina sends a regular email to families with children that includes tips and resources for how to explore your faith at home.
Prayer & Support!
We are here to journey with your family as we all strive to follow Jesus better. Contact Angelina or fill out a prayer request.
Grades 7 & Up: Please see the youth ministries page for more information about middle & high school offerings
Children’s Ministries Volunteers:
If you would like to learn more volunteering with Sunday school please contact Angelina Goldwell (angelina@fumcoly.org). All volunteers must complete a Background Check Permission Form, successfully pass a background check and attend a Safe Sanctuaries training before they can volunteer in the classroom. Please click here for a complete copy of our Safe Sanctuaries Policy.
If you would like to learn more volunteering with Sunday school please contact Angelina Goldwell (angelina@fumcoly.org). All volunteers must complete a Background Check Permission Form, successfully pass a background check and attend a Safe Sanctuaries training before they can volunteer in the classroom. Please click here for a complete copy of our Safe Sanctuaries Policy.
Upcoming Kid's Church Parties
