Special Events - Children
Download our latest Family newsletter (PDF) -- outlining all our events for children and their families!
Watch the church newspaper, bulletin, and email newsletter for more information about the following events.
Annual Events
Special events for children and their families are scheduled throughout the year. These events are designed for fun, fellowship, and faith development. Some of the events require registration or reservations. Watch the Church Newspaper, the Sunday bulletins, and email newsletter for information on the following, and more:
Trunk or Treat and Blessing of the Animals: Oct. 30, 2011, 4-6 p.m.
Members of the congregation, young and old alike, come park their cars, decorated for Halloween as costumed children "trunk or treat" for candy on the Sunday before Halloween. Children from all over the community are invited to come "trunk or treat" with us! A hot dog dinner, carnival games in the Fellowship Hall, a Mystery Maze, and prizes round out this great fall event.
Blessing of the Animals: October 4 is the birthday of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of all animals and ecology. It is the custom of people all over the world and in many faiths to celebrate in this month with a special ceremony blessing their beloved pets. We know that some children are frightened of animals, and we want this to be a fun experience for everyone. Your pet is welcome for the outdoor events but MUST be on a leash or in a carrier/crate. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.
Community Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic: Saturday, April 7, 2012
Each year we gather at Central Park (behind the church) and hunt for hundreds of Easter eggs. This fun event is for children age birth through fifth grade.
Vacation Bible School: June 11-15, 2012
Each year hundreds of children, youth, and adults join together for an exciting week in of encountering God. Each year's themes are designed to delight us all as we learn more and more about our faith through music, recreation, arts and crafts, storytelling, and science.
2012 Vacation Bible School will be June 11–15 (Monday through Friday), 9 a.m. -12 p.m., with a special Open House at 7 p.m Thursday. VBS is open to all children entering K–Grade 6. Classes are available for younger children of adult volunteers who are on-site. VBS utilizes many youth and adult volunteers who are members of the First United Methodist Church congregation and have attended the Safe Sanctuary Abuse Prevention Training. Registration will begin May 2012
Music and Arts Camp: July 8-13, 2012
Music and Arts Camp is a wonderful week of music, drama, art, and recreation for kids ages kindergarten through sixth grade. It begins on Sunday afternoon, 2–5 p.m., and continues Monday through Friday. There is a nominal cost for Music Camp. On Thursday evening, the children present a program for family and friends. Registration will begin in May 2012.
Kindergarten Blessing: August
We celebrate important milestones in the lives of our children, and starting Kindergarten is an important one. During the 11 a.m. worship service, usually the Sunday before school starts, children receive a special message and gift, along with a Blessing for a wonderful school experience.
Third Grade Bible Presentation
In September, third grade children receive the special gift of a Bible from the Church, as they look forward to a year, and a lifetime, of learning to use it as they grow in their relationship with God. Information is mailed to all households with third grade children in August. Then the children are invited to a one-day Bible Buddy Retreat in November. An adult volunteer buddies up with each student as they participate in Bible learning and fun together.
Created by God
Created by God is a human sexuality workshop for students in grades 5 and 6. It is offered each school year, alternating between spring and fall. Information is mailed to all church families with 5th and 6th grade students prior to the workshops.
Glen Lake Camp
Many of our children and youth attend summer camp, as well as retreats held throughout the year, at Glen Lake, the United Methodist camp for the Central Texas Conference. Camps are offered for children entering first – twelfth grades and have become an important part of their faith development. Camps can fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended and camperships are available if needed. Watch for announcements or check the camp out at www.glenlake.org.
