As Jesus said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not." First United Methodist Church of Miami follows this statement, but also recognizes that folks don’t stop learning when they are no longer "little children." That is why the church has a whole range of learning and fellowship opportunities for all ages.
Parents will be happy to know that our teachers and care-givers are carefully selected from our own congregation. Although some of them have literally "grown up in the church" from days of infancy to marriage and parenthood themselves, our conference requires background checks on all who work with children. Parents can bring their children to this church with confidence.
Nursery (infants)
Beginning with the youngest children, parents are well pleased with our nursery. Found in Room 101, it is staffed with experienced personnel. It has the facilities necessary for loving care and oversight of infants. The nursery is available during the church school hour, beginning at 9:30, and during the morning service until 12 noon.
Preschool (ages 3–4) – Room 103
Preschool children, ages 3-4, love our teachers and enjoy the learning and play equipment in Room 103 where they meet. Children enter room 103 through the nursery, Room 101.First steps in faith are taught by example and action.
Kindergarten–2nd Grade – Room 210
Those children in Kindergarten through grade two are invited to meet in Room 210. There are activities, crafts, stories and other approaches to learning about the Bible and faith living in this class.
Grades 3–5 – Room 203
Youngsters in grades three through five meet in Room 203. The teachers use a variety of methods to hold the interest of the class while giving them a foundation of faith and a knowledge of the Bible. Emphasis is placed on application of Bible truths to daily living.
Youth (grades 6–12) – Room 206
The Youth from grade six through twelve meet in Room 206. Again, the Bible is the focus of study. It is applied to the challenges of adolescence and all the changes taking place in their lives. When the rest of the world is in a state of flux and change, the solid foundation of God’s love revealed in the Bible is a welcome endowment.
Children’s Choir (ages 4–12)
Children’s Choir for those from age four through age twelve is not only another educational opportunity; it also is an opportunity for fun, growth, and the appreciation of God’s gift of music. The children enjoy this activity, and the congregation appreciates their presentation the Sundays they sing in the morning service. They rehearse for 20 minutes immediately following the 10:55 worship service during the fall, winter and spring months.
Adult Education
Parents who bring their children to church school have a number of opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. In addition to those organized fellowship groups listed below, there is an open and informal time for parents in the church library. While this is a "drop in" format without formal organization, it is not simply a disorganized mingling of parents. A leader and spiritual growth materials are available for more serious enquiry. This is an excellent way to become acquainted with the church, other parents, and yourself.
Inspiration Fellowship Group – Room 208
Among adult opportunities for inspiration is the Inspiration Class who meet in Room 208. This group is friendly and informal, as they study and participate in a variety of Bible-based materials. This class prides itself on "different": combining study books with DVDs, occasion breakfast at Bayside, an occasional movie, and even a visit to the beach (as Jesus did!).
The Crusaders – Room 212
The Crusaders meet in Room 212. They still tend to call themselves "the young adult class," though they range in age from young parents to great-grandparents! As they drink coffee/tea/hot chocolate and munch on pastry, they discuss the lesson. Past topics dealt with subjects from world religions to contemporary social issues. Currently, they are studying the Bible, book by book. Don’t attend if you want a lecture. This is a discussion group in which everyone is encouraged to participate.
McFarland Fellowship – Room 216
The oldest class, both in terms of longevity and ages of the class members, is the Macfarlan Fellowship which meets in Room 216. They also have coffee and pastry, but they also sing and are presented with a lecture based on a lesson book.
In addition to these ongoing educational opportunities, the church engages in other learning activities from time to time. Each summer, for example, the church conducts Vacation Church School. Also, the pastor conducts Confirmation Class each year for youth planning to join the church.
