Meet Allison
Hello! I am Allison Keith 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!
Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS
We're headed from the desert to the slopes for this year's Vacation Bible School: Snowball Mountain Challenge! From Monday, June 8th to Friday, June 12th (9am-noon), our rising kindergarten through 6th graders will move between rotations like crafts, music, science, story, and recreation as they learn about the strength which only God can give.
Ollie the Arctic Seal will help lead the way as kids unpack the verse Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." For scholarship information or other details, contact Allison at akeith@decaturfirst.org.
Volunteer for Vacation Bible School
Help transform Decatur First into a snowy, sporty landscape this June! We welcome volunteers of all ages (7th grade and older) to help lead our rising K-6th graders a week of winter games themed VBS fun. There are a variety of placements, from being the fearless leader of one of our crews to helping with a rotation to being part of skits and dances during our opening and closing ceremonies. When you sign up, you can let us know any you would be interested in and we'll do our best to place you accordingly!
Whether you can help with preparation ahead of time, join us for the whole week, or just pop in for a few days, we would love to have you! We do require volunteers to be safe sanctuaries trained and approved in order to work with campers. You can find more details on how to get trained at the registration link below:
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 4th and 5th grade class helps kids take more of a leading role in their faith formation. This class uses the Book of Belonging and a modified “Love Feast” to allow kids to participate in the stories of God in an imaginative, often self-led way.
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 3 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 Keith (akeith@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.
