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 april

explore

Jesus ascended into heaven, promising that a helper would come.  Days later, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples just as Jesus had promised!  They were able to speak in other languages and preach. 


The Church was born and many people believed.  Stephen became the first martyr when he spoke of repercussions.  Jesus was with the early Church and He is still with the Church today!


Check out the scriptures and themes for each week and find family activities, all on the Family Calendar!


april FAMILY CALENDAR

kids own worship

april focus

From retro toys to fashion trends, we all love a good throwback. (Especially for grown-ups because it reminds us of being young again.)  There are things that remind us of a moment in time, but other things feel timeless and like they're always in style. 


During the month of April, kids will travel through the decades and see that the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels are always trending.  As we hear from Jesus, we'll see it's always good to be humble, we can always forgive, Jesus is always fair, and love always needs action.