EDUCATION & CARE

YOUTH

When students enter the sixth grade, they enter our United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF). They embark on a journey that includes structured learning and fun plus service to church and others.

We strive to offer interesting and exciting activities that keep our UMYF members personally involved. We offer and discuss topics pertinent to youth - what and why we believe, sharing our faith, making good decisions, how to deal with peer and other pressures, and planning for the future. Our focus is to encourage our youth to think and to be involved.

During these formative middle and high school years, we offer the following opportunities for fellowship and learning:

• Youth Sunday School Class
• Group worship in the balcony of the sanctuary
• Confirmation class
• UMYF meetings
• Monthly Friday night coffee house
• Monthly 'Big Event' Saturday
• Feeding the homeless mission work
• Fundraising activities for local and foreign missions
• Youth Sunday
• Christian youth rallies
• Overnight lock-ins at church
• Overnight & weeklong trips to Florida United Methodist Camps
• Summer mission trips

CHILDREN

The Children's Program serves children from birth to fifth grade. In addition to Sunday activities, there are outings sponsored by the Children's Council. Family events are stressed, as are events planned around holidays.

A loving environment is provided for infants and toddlers each Sunday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The staff nursery director is assisted by volunteers.

BLESSED BEGINNERS

Blessed Beginners is for children ages 3 1/2 through 5. This class aids in the transition from Nursery to the Discovery Ark. The children enjoy Bible lessons, crafts, and interactive play. The teachers rotate on a weekly basis.

DISCOVERY ARK

This fun group is for children ages Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Crafts, games, mission projects, and learning how to be a good Christian are all important parts of the Ark. The teaching staff includes many adults who share their responsibility on a monthly schedule.