The purpose of First United Methodist’s children and youth ministry is to provide a nurturing environment that will enrich and prepare our children for life by providing them a foundation for living and living for Christ.

Children’s Activities

Children's Activity Time is a special time just for younger children on Sunday afternoons for fellowship, fun and training from September to May for ages 4K to 6th grade.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held every June. VBS is an ecumenical community effort between First Presbyterian Church, St. Luke United Methodist Church and Calvary Episcopal. VBS is rotated between these four churches each year with children and their friends from all these churches participating.

Scouting Groups are sponsored by First United Methodist Church. Scouting is open to all school age children and youth. Check with the church office, 843-3414, for scheduled times and meeting places.

Hand Bell Choir is open for participation by boys and girls age 3rd – 6th grade. The hand bell choir performs periodically in the morning worship service. Hand bell practice is usually Sunday afternoons at the church.

In Confirmation Class, 11 to 13 year old youth learn what it means to be a Christian and what the United Methodist Church teaches. The pastor leads this class. Classes are held each spring for several weeks. At the end of these sessions, the participants are given the opportunity to make a decision for Christ.

Acolytes are older elementary children who assist in the worship service. Acolytes go through brief training with the pastor before their service begins. All children of this age group are encouraged to be acolytes.

Lake Stephens is the United Methodist campground near Oxford, MS. Our children and youth are encouraged to participate in camping activities at Lake Stephens, which are age groups specific. The camp is handicap accessible. The church office keeps a schedule of events for the camp. Check with the church office, 843-3414, for times and events for each age group. Contact number for Lake Stephens is (662) 234-3350.

Children’s Sabbath is a worship service held one Sunday in October each year. The worship service is conducted entirely by the children and youth that Sunday and all the children and youth of the church are invited to participate.

Youth Activities

United Methodist Youth fellowship (UMYF) meets each Sunday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. UMYF is for Jr. and Sr. High aged youth, lead by the youth director.

The church youth have a Praise Band, which practices on Sunday afternoons will perform at various times during the year. The praise band plays contemporary Christian music. All youth who can play an instrument are invited to join in the fun.

Our Lake Junaluska Trip is a highlight of our youth ministry. Lake Junaluska is the United Methodist assembly grounds in North Carolina. Our youth participate in a youth week each summer on an adult chaperoned trip. The youth have a lot of fun activities and participate in small groups and contemporary worship. This assembly brings together youth from all across the southeast. Junaluska challenges the youth to commitment to Christ.