Children's Ministries

A Note For Parents

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

If you have ever watched children in uninhibited play, then you have witnessed the Kingdom of God at work. Children are so innocent; they are so fresh; they are so full of wonder, joy, and laughter. They are the picture of what God must want for all humankind!

At FUMC. Enterprise, we are dedicated to nurturing our children. Through a variety of programs, we encourage their spiritual and emotional growth while providing them fun as well. Our goal is to support parents in their role of helping their children to learn and grow spiritually for we feel that our parents play the strongest role in helping guide their children down the path to discipleship. We invite parents to participate in all areas of children's ministries. We welcome your ideas, your presence, and your prayers as we minister together to "grow them up.

Ongoing Activities

Our Nursery: Enterprise FUMC is committed to providing a loving, warm environment for your infants and toddlers (birth to 36 months) during Sunday School and Morning Worship Services as well as any services or meetings throughout the week.

Sunday School: At FUMC we have an outstanding group of teachers who love Jesus and love His children. We have classes for all children ages 2 years - 6th grade. Sunday School begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:45 a.m. Our 3 year olds, 4 year olds and Kindergarteners have choir from 10:00- 10:15 in the Sunday School Room.

Children's Moment: At the 11:00 Worship Service, children are invited down to the altar for a brief Children’s Moment led alternately by Steve Rutland and Deborah Owens. Both children and adults are delighted by the object lessons each week that help our little ones better understand the Bible’s message and apply it to their lives.

Children's Church: At both the 9:00 Contemporary Worship Service and the 11:00 Traditional Worship Service, children ages 3-years - 2^nd grade are dismissed for Children’s Church. Led by parent teams on a rotating basis, children have fun leaning more about Jesus and His Word. Lessons involve Bible stories, music, and crafts. To help train our little ones to be good stewards, an offering is taken up in Children’s Church.

Wonderful Wednesday: Beginning the first Wed after school has been in session for a full week and following the school calendar schedule, Wonderful Wednesdays involve children in grades 1-6. The vans pick up at all of the Elementary Schools in Enterprise and carpools can be arranged for children coming in from Ft. Rucker. Upon arrival, the children enjoy Snack time, and free play in the gym or outside on the playground. The group then divides into 2 groups which alternate choir and Bible and Craft time. Activities end at 5:05 and parents are asked to sign out their children in the gym before 5:30. Dinner for the entire family begins at 5:20. Adults enjoy fellowship around the table or various short courses which are offered throughout the year. Wonderful Wednesdays are a wonderful time for the whole family.

Mom's Day Out and Stepping Stones Preschool

Our Purpose: FUMC MDO is a nonprofit program offering quality part time day care at an affordable rate. The MDO staff provides a structured, loving and Christian environment for children infants to 5years while giving parents peace of mind that their child is well cared for. Interaction and play are an important part of a child's day. We offer fun hands-on activities that foster learning and socialization skills.

Programs

Click on programs to see a more detailed description of Mom's Day Out and Stepping Stones Preschool programs being offered.

Mission Projects

FUMC is a mission-minded church and children of all ages are encouraged to participate firsthand in missions. During the church-wide Missions Conference, the children make layette bundles and school bags to send to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The Sunday following the Missions Conference, the children launch the campaign to fill the arks for Heifer Project International. In October, the children sponsor Operation Christmas Child as they encourage members of the congregation to fill shoe boxes full of Christmas gifts to send to children in impoverished countries throughout the world. At various times the children visit the Enterprise Nursing Home and assisted living facilities singing and passing out hugs and smiles as they go.

Blue Lake United Methodist Assembly

Blue Lake United Methodist Assembly is the camping and recreation facility for the Alabama - West Florida Conference. South of Andalusia, AL, Blue Lake is a 62 acre crystal clear lake within the 350 acres of woodlands, surrounded by the Conecuh National Forest. Facilities are available for camping, swimming, canoeing, ping pong, horseshoes, hiking, tennis and softball.

Blue Lake Winter Retreat: For children in grades 3-6, the Winter Retreat is held each year over the long Martin Luther King holiday week-end. Beginning on Friday and concluding on Sunday afternoon, this camp gives a preview of Summer camping life. Cabin living, Bible time, evening vespers around a campfire, crafts, recreation, making new friends and enjoying God’s beautiful creation highlight this weekend and is a favorite.

Fall Festival at Blue Lake: Held in late October, this day camp is for children K-5^th grade. Children enjoy singing, Bible lesson, crafts, pumpkin carving, hayrides, horse rides and beautiful Blue Lake in the fall. Parents are also invited for this fun day!

Summer Camping Opportunities: Summer Camps are weekly in June and July. Rising 4th - 6th graders are eligible to attend. In addition to the traditional camps, a choir camp is also offered. There are 4 sessions in June and 3 in July.

For more information or to sign up for a particular camp, contact Regena Lacey. Phone 334-347-3467.

To find out more about Blue Lake, visit their website at http://www.bluelakecamp.com/Events.html