Welcome to First Church

We are glad to have you as part of our family. Here is a list of some services our members enjoy:

Children's Ministry

Children's Sunday School
Exciting and important ministries for children happen at FUMC! Gifted men and women are dedicated to teaching the Bible and its message of God's love to our children through stories, Bible reading, music, art, drama and other learning activities.

Below is a list of Sunday School classes and room assignments during the school year.

Fellowship Events
It is important for our children to have other Christian friends. To help this happen, the Children's Council offers a variety of fellowship events each year. Some events are for specific ages, others are for all children.

We hope your child participates in some of these events: All Saints' Day Party, special Sunday mornings, holiday parties, Aldersgate Camp weekend, PNO (Parents' Night Out) and many more. 

Kids' Day Out
Kids' Day Out is a child care and preschool opportunity available to parents of children age three months through pre-kindergarten. Registration for the school year and the summer sessions begins in the spring. Periodically, space is available for new children in each session.

For more information contact Debbi French, KDO Director, at the church.

Pioneer Club (Room 212)
Pioneer Club is a weekly program for boys and girls age two through fifth grade. Pioneer Club helps children put Christ in every phase of their lives, form healthy relationships and develop positive feelings about themselves. Club members grow socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually through skill-building activities, projects, games, singing, Scripture memorization and Bible study.

Extended Session (Rooms 202,203) 
During our 10:50 a.m. worship, we offer what we call "Extended Session" for two through five year olds. These sessions are designed to be an "extension" of our Sunday School hour. They offer a time of more than just baby-sitting. Parents and others lead this program on a rotating basis. A video of a Bible story or Bible principle is shown, followed by a short discussion.

Children here for Sunday School remain in their classrooms for Extended Session. Only the leaders change. If your child is not involved in Sunday School, please locate the appropriate room assignment for your child and go to Extended Session as soon as you arrive for worship.

Children's Media Center
The Children's Media Center is on the second floor in the children's education wing. It has grown over the last few years and has been the "dream come true" for our Children's Council. You will find books and Christian videos for toddlers through older elementary children. There are also a few special resources for parents. We are fortunate to have a dedicated volunteer, Sharon Bixler, serve as our media specialist. She is available in the media center to visit with individual classes during our Sunday School hour, and to aid parents and volunteers in leadership to children.

PNO - Parents' Night Out
This program is held on Friday nights or Saturdays periodically throughout the year. It gives the parents an opportunity for an evening out. The children have a fun evening at church with games, activities, refreshments, and videos. The cost of the program is $5 per child with a $12 maximum per family. The time is 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Karing Kids
This is a summer missions program for children kindergarten through fifth grade. Children visit nursing homes and deliver flowers to church neighbors, among other activities.

FTO - First Time Out
Fun summertime activities for children kindergarten through fifth grade. Activities include swimming, biking, etc.

Vacation Bible School
Children age two through fifth grade enjoy a fun learning time for one week early each summer.

God's Children in Worship
Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to be full participants in worship, and to receive communion when it is served. Worship involves the senses as well as intellect. Each week we offer children's bulletins based on the lectionary reading. These are designed with children and their adult helpers in mind. Jesus said, "Let the children come unto me." Our desire is to make that happen.

Children's Church (Room 210)
Our church family welcomes and encourages the participation of children in our worship services. Children in kindergarten and grades one and two are to accompany their parents to the sanctuary for worship. Dismissal will be noted in the worship bulletin. Children are invited to attend Children's Church to participate in the "Godly Play" program.

The emphasis of Children's Church is that it be a continuation of worship, where children learn about and take part in worship through music, story-conversation times, prayer and learning activities geared to their age level and interests. Children remain in Children's Church until their parents pick them up after the service.

Acolyte Program
Children in grades four and five have the privilege of serving as acolytes in our worship services. Acolyte means "one who serves the ministers." After training in September, children light and extinguish the candles, pour water into the baptismal font, and collect the offering plates from the ushers during worship.

Acolytes wear "albs," traditional robes worn by those who serve in the church.

Children's Choirs
Children's choirs provide musical learning activities for children age three through grade five. The following children's choirs are available:

Children's choirs meet at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school year.

First Steps
First Steps is a quarterly newsletter for the Children's Ministry and is sent to all the children and their families.

Adult Ministry

Forum
Teacher: Dr. Jim Heidinger
Meets in Room 13
Ages: Men and women 40+
In-depth study of the books of the Bible so that the entire Bible is covered over a ten year period. Old Testament and New Testament books alternate in the cycle, so that portions of both are covered each year. The class is lecture format, followed by discussion. Social gatherings are usually held about four times a year.

Grand Sweep
Teacher: Mary Lee Kerr
Meets in Rokeby Hall, upstairs
Ages: All
Uses Dr. Ellsworth Kalas' Grand Sweep materials to read through the Bible in a year. Can be joined at any time.

Pairs & Spares
Teacher: Nick Thompson
Meets in Room 109
Ages: Retired Adults
This class uses the Adult Bible Series. Group discussion is emphasized. This class has studied several series by James W. Moore. Social activities include potluck dinners and a Christmas party, generally held in the homes of class members. A warm welcome is extended to single adults or couples who are not presently involved in a class.

Prospects Unlimited
Teacher: Dr. Bill Arnold
Meets in Room 14
Ages: Working singles and couples with children of all ages
Bible study focused on books/topics from the Old Testament. A typical class might include close reading of passages, explanation of historical context, and discussion of application to our lives. In the summer, class members take turns teaching from self-directed studies. Class members gather socially several times throughout the year.

Rays of Light
Teacher: Dr. Billy Ray Jennings
Mr. Jon Akers
Meets in Room 12
Ages: 25 - 50
Subject matter rotates between beginning with Scripture to uncover how our Christian faith touches real life and beginning with life issues and discovering how Scripture and faith speak to those issues. Occasional class settings apart from Sunday morning for fellowship and outreach are planned.

Seekers
Teacher: Class members
Ages: 40's and up, couples or singles
Curriculum is chosen by class consensus. The class seeks to apply Christian principles to daily living with emphasis on parenting and family life.

Shaped by the Word
Teacher: Class members; guests
Meets in Room 111
Ages: Unlimited
Thought-provoking books and video series chosen by class consensus are used to strengthen our Christian beliefs and commitments. Often lively and challenging discussion follows the lecture and video.
The class believes social activities strengthen our fellowship and outreach ministry to "live our beliefs." We have get-togethers for fun, fellowship and discussion. Our outreach ministry includes raising money through bake sales, providing tube socks of toiletries to the Horizon Center, caroling to shut-ins and serving meals at the Hope Center.

Sunday Chapel
Teacher: Dr. Ben Witherington
Ages: All
Focused on the study of important biblical topics, themes and books, with an emphasis on understanding God's word in both its original and modern contexts. The teacher is a seminary professor.

Short Term Study Series
From time to time, short-term studies are offered. Call Chuck Griffin at 233-0545 for current information.

September Club
Consists of retired senior citizens in our church family. The group day trip once a month to see the sites in Kentucky and to share in Christian Fellowship.

In-Depth Bible Studies:

Christian Believer Study
The Christian Believer is a thirty-week study that examines the teachings of the Christian faith through the study of scripture, readings from faithful Christians across the centuries, video presentations, and interaction among class participants. It prepares us for living faithfully and passing on the faith to others.

Disciple Bible Study
This is a thirty-two week study of the Bible in a small group setting. This program, normally offered in the fall, is designed for those who want a systematic study of the Scriptures and who want to be transformed by the Word.
The program builds from one level to another. Participants must begin with level one. Upon completion, upper level courses may be taken as schedules permit.
Class meeting times are determined by the teacher and the class.

Adult Choirs

Chancel Choir
Director: Albin C. Whitworth
The Chancel Choir provides weekly music for our worship services and for such special seasons as Christmas and Easter. Fifth Sundays are special music Sundays for which the Chancel Choir provides leadership. Rehearsals are held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the choir room. If you are interested, please join us.

Jubilee Singers
Director: Faye Henning
This ladies vocal ensemble is outreach minded. Our main purpose is to share the love of Christ with our community. We sing regularly at retirement centers, nursing homes, and churches. If you are looking for a fun, loving group in which to share your faith, come join us. For details call Faye Henning, 224-4724.

Glorious ReBELLion
Director: Sarah Lynn Reeves
This choir offers an opportunity to "make a joyful noise" even if you can't sing! Adult handbells rehearse from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. All are welcome, but the ability to read music is a definite asset.

How to Join