belong, believe, become

with 1st kids

But Jesus called the children to him and said, 

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Luke 18:16


MISSION

We inspire children to fall in love with Jesus, and empower them to be lifelong disciples.


VISION

First, they must belong, then they will believe, and finally become lifelong disciples. 

 

Kristi Alton is the 1st Kids Ministries Director.  You can contact her with any questions at

kalton@1stchurch.org or call 865-982-1273 ext. 712


UPCOMING EVENTS

    • Nursery services are provided for children under 3-years-old.  
    • The Nursery is located in the 1st Kids Area on the lower level of the church building.
    • Nursery services are offered on Sunday mornings from 8:00 am until 11:30 am and for some special events.   
    • Please bring a bag with all the supplies your child will need while in our care.  Please have the child's name on the bag.
    • The nursery is a *nut free environment.
    • 1st Kids Sunday School is open to all ages through 5th grade.
    • Please bring your children to the 1st Kid's sign-in desk where you will receive a pick-up ticket and be escorted to your child's classroom.
    • New families will be introduced to 1st Kids policies, classrooms and team members.
    • Sunday School is from 9:15 am until 10:15am.  
  • During the 10:30 church service, there will be a second opportunity for children to gather and learn.  Children 3 years old through 1st Grade, will be escorted from the service to the 1st Kids Area on the lower level (Room C3).  Of course, this opportunity is a choice as children may choose to remain with their parent or other guardian in worship.  Parents will need to come following the service to pick up their child in the 1st Kids area. 

  • 5:00 to 5:40 pm  Children's Choir Rehearsals in Rooms 249/252
    5:30 to 6:15 pm  Dinner in Asbury Hall (gym, lower level)
    6:15 pm - Tots of Truth, Children's Bible Study (nursery & preschool children), lower level in the 1st Kids Area
    6:15 PM  Trackers of Truth, Children's Bible Study (K-5th graders), lower level in the 1st Kids Area.

  • CHILDREN'S MINISTRY HANDBOOK


    1st UMC Photo Policy

    Throughout the year we use hundreds of photos in publications, on our website, and social media outlets to help demonstrate our shared purpose of telling, teaching and touching the world so that all may become transformed by Christ. In communicating our mission to others we strive to respect your privacy. As a result our guidelines for printing and posting pictures embraces the principles in our mission statement. We consider the inclusion of photos in our communications a privilege that we intend to respect and honor.


    Photo guidelines: 


    1. Names or other identifying information (i.e., phone numbers, e-mails, addresses) will not be disclosed on photos except for church staff, officers and ministry leaders or those who have given us permission to use their names and information.


    2. Photos are almost always of people in public spaces and public events. 


    3. Pictures of children are almost always taken in a group setting and children are not identified individually (unless given permission to do so). 


    4. We try NOT to post any photos that would be considered embarrassing, objectionable, or hurtful to anyone in the photo. 


    5. We will provide credit for any photos taken by others if they so desire. In addition we honor any copyright wishes or restrictions. 


    6. Any photo will be removed upon request of an individual prominent in the photo or at the request of a parent or legal guardian.  Just email communications@1stchurch.org or call the church office at 865-982-1273 if you want a picture removed. 


  • When we lift our voices (and instruments) in worship and other places we help glorify God.  Here at 1st Kids Ministries we work to equip our children with the tools needed to use music in meaningful (and fun) ways in an effort to both learn about God and spread his message.  Click the button below to learn more about the many opportunities for children to participate in music ministries. 


    1st Kids Music Ministry

help us gear your

child for growth

There are many ways for your child to get involved with 1st Kids Ministries.  In addition to Sunday School and Kids Own Worship each week, 1st Kids hosts other events like Vacation Bible School, Parents Night Out and special themed gatherings.  


Some events will require registration and if you are bringing your children to Sunday School we do ask that you visit the check-in station at the 1st Kids Welcome Desk on the lower level (accessible at the bottom of the staircase when you come in the door just past the covered drop off area).   


You can help us better meet the needs of your children and help us know where to contact you, should the need arise, by filling out the child information sheet.

 

CHILD INFORMATION SHEET

SPECIAL

1st kids events

scroll down for full calendar

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...

opportunities for fun and adventure

summer camp 2024

Camp Wesley Woods here in Blount County is one of four camping ministries in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Located in Walland, this beloved ministry has offered camp ministry, outdoor education and retreat ministries since 1959.


Registration for Summer 2024 camps is now open.  Scholarships are available.  Just contact Rev. Nathan Irwin (Minister of Discipleship) for more information about them or for more information about Camp Wesley Woods. 


Camp Wesley Woods Website


REACH OUT TO NATHAN

sunday school for march

God's biggest surprise

Jesus was the greatest surprise of all! No one expected the King of Kings to come to Earth as a baby, live a sinless life, die on the cross for our sins and conquer sin and death after 3 days! God had the biggest surprise for us!


This month’s biblical theme for Sunday School is: End of Jesus’ Ministry


The last week of Jesus’ ministry is known as Passion Week. It begins with Palm Sunday and ends with the joy of Easter morning! It follows Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, His last meal with His disciples, His grief in the garden, and arrest and crucifixion.  Just like He promised, the story did not end there. Jesus conquered sin and death on Easter morning by coming back to life to save us all!


MARCH FAMILY CALENDAR

kids own worship

march focus

In the dark, a world of neon colors comes to life. Whether it’s the soft green of glow-in-the-dark stars or the bright colors of bioluminescent creatures, light can break through the darkness. 


When the world needed some light, God sent Jesus because he glows in the dark, and he can teach us how to shine with God’s light, too! In this five-week series through the Gospels, we’ll follow Jesus’ life leading up to Easter to see some of the ways he can shine bright in our lives. 


As we explore, we’ll see Jesus is the light in the darkness. We’ll also learn how we can choose Jesus and know God hears our cries while celebrating how Jesus died and rose again!