Children and Family Ministries

Summer Sunday School & Nursery Volunteers
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring Sunday School to life. This is a fun and meaningful way to connect, give back, and be part of a vibrant, joyful experience for our children. Whether you choose to help in Sunday School or the Nursery, your time and energy will make a real difference—and it can be a lot of fun, too!
This summer, Sunday School will have a relaxed “One Room” format in the Children’s Center, bringing together preschool through 5th grade. Each session will include a short, engaging lesson, a simple activity, snack time, and plenty of playground fun.

If you’re 18 or older and have a background check on file with the church, you’re all set to jump in. We truly need YOUR support to make this a welcoming and exciting experience for every child.

Come be part of something meaningful—and make this summer one to remember.

Sunday Nursery Care Volunteers
If you have a passion for caring for our little babies by holding, rocking, and comforting them, we invite you to consider volunteering in our nursery. We are in need of volunteers to help in the nursery during Sunday services. Your support is greatly appreciated.  

Acolyte Ministry Program
Acolyting is a meaningful leadership experience for children in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.  This role offers a unique opportunity to take an active part in worship by lighting the Christ candles at the beginning of our services in the main sanctuary. As acolytes, children will wear a special robe and cotta provided for them. This important role not only enhances the worship experience but also often becomes a treasured part of their children’s church journey.

We generally ask our acolytes to commit to one Sunday per month from September to May. If your child is considering becoming an acolyte, please contact Dayna Ratliff at dratliff@fumcbirmingham.org for further information.

Spark is our mid-week children’s program which runs in tandem with Children’s Choir rehearsals on Thursday afternoons from 4:15-6:00 p.m. in the Christian Life Center at Birmingham First. This program, tailored for children ages 3 through 5th grade, offers a fun-filled afternoon featuring joyful music and a variety of engaging activities such recreation, Bible stories, fellowship, and singing.

Children are welcome to join the choir without attending SPARK. Parents can drop off and pick up their children directly at their designated rehearsal spaces. Additionally, children can join the choir or SPARK at any time during the school year to accommodate sports seasons or other activities.

Visit our SPARK PAGE for more information, to register or to register as a Spark Student Worker or Volunteer.

All NEW families or current families with new changes to their information are asked to complete a Family Registration Form to identify anticipated participation in programming.

All participants in Nursery, Sunday School, or church events must have a Medical Release form on file. If you have completed a medical release form since June 2024, you do not need to submit an updated form.

Click the button below for printable forms.

Co-Director, Children and Family Ministries 

mklapp@fumcbirmingham.org
248-646-6407 ext. 3131