Rock City – Kindergarten – 4th Grade

Sunday Morning Workshops for Kindergarten – 4th Grade use a teaching model that focuses on major stories of the Bible and how to apply them to a child’s daily life.  We recognize that children not only love repetition, but need it to develop lasting memory and understanding of Bible content, so we offer each story and Bible concept in a variety of ways during each teaching cycle.  Our multi-intelligence approach takes advantage of our children’s thirst for experiential learning and is hands-on, servant-based, relational and relevant to childhood.  This teaching approach instills life habits that follow the examples taught by Jesus Christ.

Our classrooms offer exciting child-friendly activities that include:  Large Group Assemblies, Small Group experiences in Cooking & Science, Bible Games, Art, Theater, TV Newsroom, and Hands-On Missions, where teachers have opportunities to foster the spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development in each individual child.

Special Programs and Events

Third Grade Bibles

A long standing tradition of First United Methodist Church is to present third graders with a Bible for we believe all their life questions can be found inside God’s Holy Book.  A special Sunday is designated for this event each year and children are then encouraged to bring their Bibles to church weekly.

Summer Camp

Several weeks each summer are dedicated to reaching out to children in our community.  We offer Vacation Bible School, Music Camp and a variety of other camp experiences such as Experiencing the Rock for Tweens, BioCamp, Art Camp, etc. All weekly camps are centered on a Biblical theme or concept and designed for spiritual growth through child-friendly activities.

Connectional Ministry Events

The United Methodist Church is a connectional church so what better time to teach that connection than in childhood.  We want our children to understand they are part of a global church and while these events encourage a connection between local United Methodist Children, all children from the community are encouraged and invited to attend.

• MiniMERGE  – A family fishing derby for Preschool – 2nd Graders is held annually and offers families a chance to meet other United Methodist families for fun and fellowship around a child-friendly activity.
• SubMERGE – Two special overnight events are held each year where 3rd & 4th graders gather with other local United Methodist children for a special adventure.
• BIBLE BOOT CAMP – Our annual overnight Bible Boot Camp for third and fourth graders uses large and small group activities in a camp setting to help children learn how to use their Bibles and encourages them to become daily readers of God’s Word.  Parent chaperones attend as chaperones and assist children’s ministry staff in camp activities.
• COMMUNITY LOCK-IN – Each year we choose a local children’s attraction where we combine God with everyday activities in an overnight experience.  It is important to help children understand that God resides everywhere, not just in our church buildings.
• Parenting Seminar – Each year, an annual parenting event is offered in local church partnership addressing issues such as parenting, child internet safety, Holy Health, etc.