THE ARK - children & youth ministries
FAMILY, FUN, & FELLOWSHIP!
“Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
The children are our world’s future disciples of Christ. It is our mission to help them change this world through their relationship with Christ and others. We strive to empower our children by way of Bible-backed curriculums, experiences, and knowledge of others, praise, prayer, and, of course, FUN, FUN, and more FUN!
At First United Methodist Church of DeRidder, all children are welcomed with open arms. We want each child who walks out of our church feeling that he or she is truly appreciated for the loving person they are through God’s grace. We lead our children to face today’s world equipped with the knowledge, compassion, and love found only in Jesus Christ.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2026 IS JUNE 15TH - JUNE 19TH, FROM 8 AM TIL 12 NOON
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Sunday
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SUNDAY
Nursery
8:30 - 11:30 AM
Our church has a staffed nursery. It is open for children ages 0 – 3. (Parents must stay on campus to utilize this service)
Sunday School
9:00 - 9:45 AM
We offer a variety of learning experiences for children in grades kindergarten through senior year of high school. Every Sunday we will introduce the children to the Sermon that will be presented in Church that day. We will explore the Bible through use of discussions, lessons, activities, and games.
Children’s Church
Available during Regular Time Service
Children are welcome to attend the regular church service for the first fifteen- twenty minutes. They sing songs of praise with the congregation, then the Pastor calls for the children to join him at the altar. There, they receive a short lesson. Afterwards, they are invited to Children’s church. Children are welcome to attend the entire regular church service, if they choose. We explore our walk with God by exploring his word thru crafts, games, and Scripture reading.
Wednesday Evening Ministry
5:30 - 7:00 PM
This is a drop off program. We start our evening with choir in Fellowship Hall. We then move to the classroom where we sit down and have dinner. We are able to learn at this time how not to speak over others, saying Grace, table manners, and how to enjoy each others company. We move into lesson after dinner where we study the stories of the bible. To help retain the information we follow the story with either a craft, activity, or experiment.
Keep up to date on all our events by liking us on Facebook at First United Methodist Church - DeRidder
Other Activities & Special Events
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Keep up to date on all our events by liking us on Facebook at First United Methodist Church - DeRidder
Easter Egg Hunt/Picnic
All ages
We offer separate egg hunts for our younger and older children. We celebrate the risen Christ with laughter, games, food and fellowship.
Vacation Bible School:
Kindergarten through 5th grade
This event occurs in the summer and is free to the public. Children learn about God by traveling room to room around the campus. Built into this program are age appropriate bible lessons, music, crafts, games, snacks, and recreation time. It is one of our biggest and most exciting weeks in the church!
Summer Fellowship Gatherings
Kindergarten through 5th grade
Younger children are welcome, with a parent present. We gather several times during the summer for fun. Activities and dates are to be announced, as they change. Some places we may visit together: swim park, splash pad, bowling alley, skating rink, nature hike/picnic, and the bounce house.
Back to School
All ages
Back to School Bash and Blessing of the backpacks. As a congregation, we pray over the children’s backpacks before they return to school.
Fall Celebration
All ages
Open to the public. We gather for a safe, fun filled evening of Trick or Teating with safe door knocks through our building, games, and food. This is a free event. If you are able, we ask that you support our outreach and donate a nonperishable item to support God's Food Box. All proceeds from food sales will support our Children, Family, and Youth Ministry programs.
Come celebrate God’s love with us!
We look forward to getting to know you and your family!