Children

Children are a very important part of the ministries of Friendship United Methodist Church. Friendship offers a wide range of Bible-based, Christ-centered Sunday School classes for children from nursery age through grade 12.

Friendship has an active youth fellowship (MYF) program, as well as a variety of family ministries-sponsored activities that include family members of all ages. Friendship also provides a Vacation Bible School program each summer and several special events for children throughout the year, including celebrations at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

The children also are an important part of the worship services. Often the service includes music by the children's or youth choirs or other participation by the younger members of the congregation. Each week there is a children's sermon, and activity bags are provided for the younger children to use as they sit with their families during worship. During our 11:00am worship service a nursery is provided for those children 5 years and younger.

Sunday School

Sunday School for children is held each Sunday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. during the academic year. There are classes for all ages from two through adult, with two different adult classes offered. The regular Sunday School year starts with a Promotion Sunday kick off near the beginning of the school year, and ends with Celebration Sunday in June. There are other big events throughout the year including a Happy Birthday Jesus party, our annual Christmas Pageant, and an Easter morning family gathering.

During the summer months, a special Summer Sunday School program is offered. The specifics vary from year-to-year, but it is always a fun time for all.

The adult classes and high school class continue to meet in their regular format during the summer.

Each summer, Friendship United Methodist Church offers a week-long VBS program for children in the church and community. The program is for children ages two through those completing 5th grade. Older youth are encouraged to participate as part of the VBS staff.

VBS will be held this year from July 14-18, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon each day. Friendship's VBS is offered at no charge to the students and includes not only the usual Bible stories, crafts, games, and snacks, but also opportunities for the students to participate in mission projects and to apply the Bible lessons to their everyday activities. If you would like to register for VBS please contact Brenda Page (bmpage@comcast.net), or call the church office at (410) 257-7133.

The VBS program at FUMC has grown significantly in recent years and therefore requires many individuals to help make it happen. There are many tasks to be done prior to VBS, so even those not available during the actual VBS week can participate in making this important ministry possible. If you are willing to help in some way, please contact the church office at (410) 257-7133.