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 children’s faith formation we focus on the values of welcome, hospitality, gratitude, generosity kindness, inclusion, love, service and justice.
Family Ministry Fall 2023 Schedule
Children’s faith formation is currently offered in these ways:
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).
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.
Weeknight Affinity Nights (see calendar above) & Special Events
Affinity Nights are a seasonal gathering of the whole church family. Children's faith formation is from 5:30-6:30. Potluck dinner is served for all ages from 6pm-7pm. From 7-8pm there are different groups & activities for all ages so the whole family can participate. To find out what is happening on Affinity Nights for youth and adults click here.
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!
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.
Snail Mail!
Each week children receive an envelope in the mail with an activity sheet connected to the Scripture readings we'll hear in worship that Sunday. Whether your family is coming in person, online, or isn't able to make it (because life happens) your child/ren can engage with the Scripture through coloring, word searches and more.
Prayer & Support!
We are here to journey with your family as we all strive to follow Jesus better. Contact Pastor Heather or fill out a prayer request.
Grades 7 & Up: Please see the youth ministries page for more information about middle & high school offerings
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).
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.
Weeknight Affinity Nights (see calendar above) & Special Events
Affinity Nights are a seasonal gathering of the whole church family. Children's faith formation is from 5:30-6:30. Potluck dinner is served for all ages from 6pm-7pm. From 7-8pm there are different groups & activities for all ages so the whole family can participate. To find out what is happening on Affinity Nights for youth and adults click here.
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!
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.
Snail Mail!
Each week children receive an envelope in the mail with an activity sheet connected to the Scripture readings we'll hear in worship that Sunday. Whether your family is coming in person, online, or isn't able to make it (because life happens) your child/ren can engage with the Scripture through coloring, word searches and more.
Prayer & Support!
We are here to journey with your family as we all strive to follow Jesus better. Contact Pastor Heather 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 Pastor Heather. 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 Pastor Heather. 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.