Sunday, April 11, 18, 25,

Sunday, May 2, and Saturday, May 8

5:30—7:00 pm

Studies have shown that the ‘tween years are an important time of transition for girls. It is at this time that the bond between mothers and daughters is most critical. Together we will explore the changes that ‘tween girls are facing, including relationships, body image, self esteem, and day to day struggles. This study will be geared for girls 10-13 and the significant woman in their lives. Please join us from 5:30-7:00 pm. Space is limited.

Please RSVP to Deb Walker, Children’s Ministries Coordinator

719-471-8522 x213 or debw@fumc-cs.org

For VBS the Children's Ministries of FUMC set a fund-raising goal of $5,000.00 to support a school in Afghanistan.  Through the work of the Central Asia Institute this money will fund an entire year's cost including  school supplies for children, teacher materials and salaries as well as the facility to house the school.  Central Asia Institute was developed by Greg Mortenson, author of "Three Cups of Tea",  as a response to the need for education, educational resources and hope for the children of war-torn rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Providing children, (especially girls),  with an opportunity to go to school is a step toward creating a more stable future for these countries.

Update!!
Children brought their pennies to the church and deposited them in special boxes welded together to form a cross.  Additional collection jars were placed around the church where people of all ages generously donated. Soon, pennies overflowed from our special VBS cross into many containers. We received silver pennies and paper pennies too. In October, nearly 40 children and adults gathered to prepare our pennies to be taken to UMB Bank. The children’s delight as we dumped the pennies from the cross onto the floor of Kingdom City was truly priceless. The bank’s president, Gar Anneler, met us at UMB along with two bank employees (volunteering their time as well!), to help the children count nearly 200,000 pennies in their special machine. Their help made the morning a memorable event for everyone.

The Children's Ministries of FUMC and First Steps Spirituality Center (Leanne Hadley's non-profit that provides spiritual support to hurting children and tees at no cost) offer special holiday events for the hurting children of our congregation and this community.  These special events are planned for hurting children to help them get ready for and cope with the holidays. As the holidays near, please revisit this web page for the most current event information. If you know of a child who could benefit from being invited to one of these events, please call the First Steps office at (719) 520-9024 or the FUMC Children's Ministries Office at (719) 471-8522 x 246.  For more information about First Steps, see below.

First Steps Spirituality Center

In addition to being Associate Minister to Children and their Families, Rev Dr. Leanne Ciampa Hadley is the founder and president of First Steps Spirituality Center.  The center is dedicated to providing spiritual support to hurting children and teens at no cost.  She is available to meet with your child during times of hurt and crisis through her center.  To make an appointment, please contact Leanne at (719) 520-9024 or visit her website at www.1ststeps.net

Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter

Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, is a time set aside for prayer and refection about our spiritual lives. As we prepare for Easter, the most sacred event in the Christian calendar, we believe it is important for children to have opportunities to grow spiritually during this sacred season. Below are activities designed to help them with this process.

Sunday, February 14: Burning of Palms
During Children’s Worship (11:00 am), we will be burning the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday Service and making ashes to be used at our Children’s Ash Wednesday Service.

Wednesday, February 17: Children’s Ash Wednesday Service
This sacred service will be held in the Chapel at 6:00 pm (before the 7:00 pm adult Sanctuary service). Children will learn the meaning of Ash Wednesday and those who desire to will receive ashes.

Friday, February 26: Waiting for Easter
"Waiting for Easter” will be a fun-filled time where children will learn about the significance of Lent and begin the season with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose and meaning. We hope your children will join us in Kingdom City from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Please RSVP by February 19.

Sunday, March 28: Palm Sunday Procession and Seder Meal
Children will gather in Kingdom City and carry palms into our worship services to remember Palm Sunday! After the procession they will be invited to participate in a child friendly Seder Meal (the meal Jesus shared at his last supper with his disciples).

Saturday, April 3: Easter Egg Hunt
We will be having an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3. Children will find eggs filled with treats and the twelve silver eggs that will tell the story of the life of Jesus. The hunt will be held at 10:00 am at the beautiful Broadmoor Community Church (315 Lake Avenue).

Sunday, April 4: Easter Sunday
During the Sunday School hour, the children of our church (Kindergarten-6th grade) are invited to attend a special lesson on The Tale of Three Trees. It will be held in the theater at 9:30 am. Children should be checked into the sanctuary as usual and they will proceed to the theater following the Children's Message. Children will be picked up in Kingdom City. At 11:00 am, children are invited to join in a special Easter Sunday Worship in Kingdom City.