Sunday Mornings | Kids at Athens First
Sunday School | 9:30 a.m.
Kids at Athens First offers an exciting experience for k-4th graders. Our model is fun, engaging, and focused on Biblically deep truths where your child will grow closer to Jesus and strengthen their faith. Kids begin at 9:30 a.m. in Hancock Hall with high-energy worship and a Bible story told by some of the most entertaining members of our church. After large group, we split into grade-level small groups for age-appropriate activities to help them learn Scripture while nurturing their relationship with Jesus. Each week, children encounter small group leaders who love them, stories from Scripture that inspire them, and a kids' program designed to help them grow in their faith while having fun!
Bibles – Students in grades K–5 are encouraged to bring their Bibles to church. We will be finding the scripture that corresponds with the lesson every Sunday.
Offering – During Athens First Kids large group, kids are learning about the different ways to worship God. Reading the Bible, singing praises, and giving are important pieces of worship. Kids will have the opportunity to give during large group on Sunday mornings. This is one of the ways we connect kids with worship in the Sanctuary.
5th Grade
5th graders are the big kids who often feel that Kids’ Ministry is too young for them. As parents and church leaders, we know they aren’t quite ready to spend their Sunday mornings with middle and high schoolers. On Sunday mornings, 5th graders will either serve in large group or hang out in a special 5th grade only section of Hancock Hall. After large group, they will go to their own hangout room where the activities are designed for Preteens. Their small group leaders will encourage and equip them to grow in their faith.
Children's Church | 11:00 a.m.
Children in grades K-4 are invited to leave the sanctuary at a designated time in the 11:00 a.m. worship service to attend Children’s Church, where they will engage in hands-on activities to explore the stories of the Bible. Pick up is in Hancock Hall. Children’s Church is held every Sunday except the first Sunday of the month when we observe Holy Communion as a congregation and on Sundays when our children are involved in the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Occasionally, we might serve a small allergy-friendly snack at Children's Church. Examples are Skinnypop or BoomChickaPop popcorn, Snyder's Gluten-Free pretzels, Annie's fruit snacks, and Made Good granola bars or cookies. If your child cannot have any of these options, you are welcome to provide a snack from home. If you have any questions, please contact Traci Lowry.
Sunday Mornings in the Nursery
Childcare is available for infants through four-year-olds at each service, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The nursery is located directly inside the Washington Street entrance. All of our nursery staff are certified in CPR and first aid.
What to Bring
If your child is in diapers or potty training, please bring 2-3 diapers/pull-ups and wipes for your child. All belongings (bags, cups, lovies, etc.) should be labeled with your child’s first and last name. Our goal is for each child to feel loved and get excited about coming to church. If your child has a lovie, blanket, or special stuffed animal that comforts them, you are more than welcome to bring it for them to have while they are here.
What to Expect
Our goal is to provide a safe and loving environment for our children. Please be sure to check in (using Realm) before dropping your child off in their class. If your child has difficulty dropping off, our childcare team will work with them to help acclimate them to the room. Most children are only upset for a few minutes before jumping into play time. Please do not linger in the room or the hallway where your child can see you. If they do not settle down within 10 minutes, we will call you.
Room Information
Infants (Birth until walking proficiently) Room 142
Toddlers (Walking Proficiently up to 2-year-olds born after 9/2/2022) Room 128
2 Year Olds (by September 1, 2024) Room 134
3 Year Olds (by September 1, 2024) Room 140
4 Year Olds (by September 1, 2024) Room 141
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Service Differences
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Hour/Worship Service
Sunday school for two, three, and four-year-olds includes a Bible lesson, craft, music, and snack. Parents are asked to volunteer twice a year in their child's classroom. A loving environment is provided for infants through toddlers.
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
Two, three, and four-year-olds are given the opportunity to learn and play. Activities may include coloring, singing, storytelling, and gym time. A loving environment is provided for infants through toddlers.
It takes a village! We have a growing team of adult and student volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of the kids at our church. The Kids at Athens First team is committed to ensuring your kids and family have an incredible experience on Sunday mornings. Because of these amazing volunteers, from the moment you arrive at Sunday School, you will feel our church’s and Jesus’ love!
Want to be part of what God is doing in Kids at Athens First? Please reach out to join the fun!
Athens First UMC uses an online ministry tool called Realm. It helps our church connect with you, and you connect with us. We use Realm Check-in for all Kids and Students programming. Parents can check in with their families at the kiosks in the Galleria, Hancock Hall, or Student Area (grades 6-12 only). Visit one of the Assisted Check-in stations if you are visiting with us for the first time, and a staff member or volunteer will help you create your profiles and check-in. If you are a member or repeat visitor, you will type in your name at the kiosk and follow the instructions to check kids into their groups. At the check-in station, you will receive printed name badges for children up to 5th Grade to wear during programming and a guardian receipt to provide at pick-up. Please drop off and pick up your children at the entrance to their classroom. With a Realm account, families can update their profiles, register for events, control their giving, keep in touch with their groups, and more. To receive an invitation to create an account, contact
or call the church office.
