Vacation Bible School
We are so excited to announce the theme for Vacation Bible School this summer: Camp Firelight! Rising kindergarten through 6th graders are invited to join us for stories, songs, service projects, and more as we learn to face our fears with God.
Mark your calendars for June 3rd to June 7th, 2024 from 9am to noon. We’ll need your help to make it happen, so start thinking about ways you might get involved. Whether you’re able to join us during the week or help us prep ahead of time, we would love to get as many families involved as we can to make this a fun experience for kids.
You can find the registration links here:
Every year, Decatur First’s own Janice Yates sets up a beautiful and delicious snack room for our Vacation Bible School volunteers. If you want to find an easy way to plug in, you can sign up to bring some of the items listed here: Snack Room Sign Up
Meet Allison
Hello! I am Allison Burnette and I am the Children’s Ministries Director here at DFUMC. I work alongside a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who make it possible to offer nursery care, Sunday School classes, and special events for children throughout the year. Children add so much life to this church as they develop their faith. I look forward to walking alongside Decatur First families as they grow, laugh, sing, and play together!
Kids On Sunday
Sunday School
9:45-10:45 AM
Pre-K - 1st Grades- room 306
Grades 2&3- room 305
Grades 4&5- room 307
6-12th Grades are part of the Youth Program
Our pre-k through 3rd graders learn about God through wonder with our Godly Play stories. This tactile, rhythmic way of engaging with scripture allows kids to ask questions about God while meeting important characters of faith.
Our Trail Mix class consists of 4th and 5th graders who are ready to take more of a leading role in their faith formation. This class uses StoryMakers curriculum to allow kids to participate in the stories of God through acting, art, and imagination.
Nursery
Childcare for kids four years and younger is available throughout Sunday mornings in room 105 from 8:45am-12:15pm.
Space is limited to ensure a clean and safe environment for our children. Please email our Nursery Supervisor, Julia Phelps, if you have any questions.
Worship at 9 & 11am
Wiggles and giggles are welcome and encouraged! We offer a simple 45 minute 9:00AM service on the front lawn under the tent (when the weather is good) or in the sanctuary during the winter months, and 11:00AM worship is always offered in the Sanctuary.
The Children’s Worship Station is available in the back of the sanctuary with fidget toys and coloring materials to keep little hands busy. We also offer Sermon on the Steps, a children’s message outside on the steps of the sanctuary (fellowship hall if inclement weather), during the sermon at the 11AM service.
On the first Sunday of the month, we celebrate communion together as a church. We do not offer Sermon on the Steps on these Sundays as we encourage families to participate in the sacrament together.
Kids on Wednesdays
Children’s Choirs
Children’s Choirs are open to children 2 years old to 5th grade and take place on Wednesday nights. To find out more, please email Catherine Wilson- cwilson@decturfirst.org!
WELCOMING BABIES
We want to ensure each baby receives a warm welcome from their church family. Our Baby Blanket volunteers provide a handmade blanket and our meal train volunteers will provide meals for you when you have a new addition to your family. Please let us know if you're expecting so we can add you to our new baby list! Email Allison Burnette at aburnette@decaturfirst.org.
Baptism
Baptism is a ritual of initiation into the community of faith. This service is done publicly in front of the local congregation who are now accepting the responsibility for the nurture and care of the newly baptized. Both the church and home must work together to provide spiritual growth opportunities. Decatur First offers many ways for children to learn about their faith and grow in Christ’s love!
Baptism marks the beginning point in a life of faith. In baptism, we begin the intentional process of training and nurturing children so they may eventually be prepared to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and decide to make their own public profession of faith. (John 3:3-8, Philippians 2:12, 2 Peter 3:18).
To request more information or to schedule a baptism, please contact Catherine Wilson, Director of Worship + Music, at cwilson@decaturfirst.org.
Safety
In accordance with the United Methodist Book of Discipline, Decatur First UMC requires those working with children/youth or vulnerable adults to complete a background check and safe sanctuary training, every two years. Click the button below to learn more about the DFUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy and/or take the steps to become certified.
