Children and Youth

Save The Date Flyer for Upcoming Children's Activities 

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Kitchen in the Youth Hall for refreshments and lessons. 

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Sunday School led by trained staff and volunteers.

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Youth events usually take place around the Sarasota area.

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Crafts and lessons surrounding the Bible and its messages. 

First United Methodist Church has exciting things happening with our Children and Youth Ministries. We have a program that ensures we provide a safe and fun environment for children to grow in their connection to God. Your child will learn, make new friends, and feel loved.

"And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me." (Mark 9:36-37)

Programs for Infants through Grade 5

Children are always welcome to attend the 11 a.m. in-person service. However, if your child is looking for something age-specific, we have an active Sunday School program available. All volunteers and staff members at First UMC are screened and have a background check.

Sunday School (During 11 a.m. Worship Service)

Nursery (Infants – 2 years)

Upstairs in Youth Hall via the elevator in the Office Lobby.

Preschool (3 years – Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st – 5th grades)

With pre-registration, pre-K though 5th graders are invited to participate in an in-person, one-room Sunday School class while parents are in the 11 a.m. in-person worship. The Sunday School classroom is accessible by the elevator in the Office Lobby.

Special Sunday Events 

During the year we involve the children in special Sunday celebrations, such as an Easter Egg-Stravaganza.  This is a fun family-friendly event open to the community.  A free lunch is served, the Easter Story is told, also face painting, crafts, a variety of games and an Easter Egg Hunt. Children also enjoy Palm Sunday, a Valentine's Day party, a birthday party for the Church on Pentecost, and more!

Programs for Junior- through Senior-High-School Youth

First UMC has created a youth program that continues to grow. We provide a safe space for 9-12 graders to grow in their faith. From service opportunities to teaching life skills and building trusting relationships, we are helping provide a solid foundation for your youth to flourish, both in a church environment and in the outside world.

“My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:2)

God intended for our lives to be lived connected to and in service to one another.  Joining with others in church helps children begin to live the life that Christ intended. By developing within a church community, they are more likely to:

  • Live a Christ-centered life.
  • Love their neighbor.
  • Foster unity with God through one another.
  • Create a lifeline which can be utilized during both good and bad times.

Students are invited to be transformed by the experience of becoming part of something larger than themselves.

We welcome junior- and senior-high-school students who are seeking a place of understanding, a place where we are all led to feel that we truly are the children of a loving God. By encouraging each other, we invite students into a relationship with Jesus. Together we walk toward the path of salvation through the teachings of Christ and the Gospels. 

Sunday Gathering (During 11 a.m. Worship Service)

We provide a safe place where teenagers gather for fellowship, supporting one another and learning about living and growing toward a more fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. Together we discuss the lessons of the Gospel and how they apply and relate to everyday life. We challenge ourselves to embrace a faith that calls us to be loving, welcoming, constructive, and compassionate.

Special Events (Various days and times)

Several times a year the Youth Group participates in fun activities and trips. From prayer retreats to an arcade, to a day at the waterpark, the youth form meaningful relationships. We grow and mature together, fostering a spirit of Christian love and service. Join for a fun night of fellowship and group discussion. We look forward to getting to know our youth as we turn to Christ as our refuge.

Call 941-955-0935 to learn when events are scheduled.