Children's Ministries at Bangor First
We Are a "Safe Sanctuary" Church
The congregation of First United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and youth. All persons working with children or youth (whether paid or volunteer) are screened, trained, and undergo a criminal background check. A minimum of two of those persons must be present at all times during any church-sponsored program, event, or ministry involving children or youth. For more information, click here or view a copy of our "Safe Sanctuary Policy and Procedures Manual" (available in all rooms regularly used in children's ministries).
The congregation of First United Methodist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and youth. All persons working with children or youth (whether paid or volunteer) are screened, trained, and undergo a criminal background check. A minimum of two of those persons must be present at all times during any church-sponsored program, event, or ministry involving children or youth. For more information, click here or view a copy of our "Safe Sanctuary Policy and Procedures Manual" (available in all rooms regularly used in children's ministries).
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Sunday School for Ages 3 through Grade 8
Children’s Sunday School takes place from September to June. Children are dismissed from worship following the children's message and are accompanied by their "shepherds" to classrooms in the education wing. There are multiple learning groups appropriate to children's age, development, and learning abilities. Each week's Bible lesson is reinforced using different learning styles and through activities such as art, games, drama, storytelling, etc. Students beyond Grade 8 are welcome to volunteer as Sunday School teachers' assistants. Older youth are also welcome to join adult study classes. |
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First Sunday Worship
First United Methodist Church welcomes children of all ages in worship. Every first Sunday children remain in worship rather than being dismissed to Sunday School. Children are invited to serve as greeters, ushers, and readers if they wish, We believe that faith is as much “caught” as it is “taught”. Children learn how to worship by worshiping with the congregation. They learn what Christian community is by being an integral part of that community. They learn how loved and valuable they are to God by being loved and valued by the congregation. We invite all children to fully participate in the life of the church as they learn to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. We welcome them to join us in prayer and praise, in singing and sharing, and in the proclamation of God's Word and observance of the Sacraments. |
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Vacation Bible School Each summer we offer a week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS) for ages 3 to 11. This half-day VBS is open to all children in the community and is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to join us for this fun-filled event. VBS activities include music, Bible stories, outdoor games, arts & crafts, and more! Click here for information about our 2017 VBS |
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Youth Group
Middle and High School youth gather every other Friday evening for fun and fellowship. Activities include cookouts, game nights, field trips (bowling, tubing, movies, etc.), baking bread for Communion services, service projects in the community, etc. Each meeting includes a time for spiritual formation and discussion about where faith and everyday life meet. This is an open group, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. |
Confirmation
Confirmation is the ritual in which a young person takes for his or herself the vows made by parents or guardians at baptism. In making their own profession of faith, youth become full members of the church. Each year youth from Grade 6 and up are invited to participate in Confirmation preparation through a one-on-one mentoring program. Following a confirmands' retreat at the end of the program, the Confirmation ceremony takes place during a special worship service.
Agape Ringers
Young people from Grade 3 and up are invited to join the Agape Ringers chime choir, directed by Cindy Sayles. Practice takes place each Sunday morning from September to June at 9 AM in preparation to play occasionally during Sunday morning worship and for special services.
