SPARK MID-WEEK CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
SPARK returns Thursday, September 17, 2026
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 is tailored for children ages 3 through 5th grade. As part of this program, children will participate in choir rehearsals and perform during church services (approximately 8 times during the year.) SPARK offers a fun-filled afternoon of joyful music rehearsals and a variety of engaging activities such recreation, Bible stories, and fellowship.
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.
The deep tradition of excellent choral music is found at Birmingham First. Join us as we develop musical skills, grow in our spirituality, and make life-long friendships. Choir members can also participate in SPARK on Thursday afternoons.
Childcare is available for SPARK families
Families who have children attending SPARK, may register their infant and/or toddler sibling(s) for complimentary childcare/programming in rooms 151/153. Register your child(ren) with Dayna Ratliff at dratliff@fumcbirmingham.org.
How to REGISTER: There is no cost to participate
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 must have a Medical Release form on file. If you have completed a medical release form since June 2026, you do not need to submit an updated form.
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 is tailored for children ages 3 through 5th grade. As part of this program, children will participate in choir rehearsals and perform during church services (approximately 8 times during the year.) SPARK offers a fun-filled afternoon of joyful music rehearsals and a variety of engaging activities such recreation, Bible stories, and fellowship.
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.
The deep tradition of excellent choral music is found at Birmingham First. Join us as we develop musical skills, grow in our spirituality, and make life-long friendships. Choir members can also participate in SPARK on Thursday afternoons.
- Thursday rehearsals
- All children must have a Medical Release Form on file & new families need to complete a Registration Form
- There is no cost to participate
Childcare is available for SPARK families
Families who have children attending SPARK, may register their infant and/or toddler sibling(s) for complimentary childcare/programming in rooms 151/153. Register your child(ren) with Dayna Ratliff at dratliff@fumcbirmingham.org.
How to REGISTER: There is no cost to participate
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 must have a Medical Release form on file. If you have completed a medical release form since June 2026, you do not need to submit an updated form.
Rehearsal Times
Cherub Choir: PreK 3 & 4-year-olds from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in room 221
Sonshine Choir: Kindergarten & 1st graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in room 221
Disciple Choir: 2nd & 3rd graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in room 227
Covenant Choir: 4th & 5th graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in the Choir room
Cherub Choir: PreK 3 & 4-year-olds from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in room 221
Sonshine Choir: Kindergarten & 1st graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in room 221
Disciple Choir: 2nd & 3rd graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in room 227
Covenant Choir: 4th & 5th graders from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. in the Choir room
SPARK YOUTH WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Sign up by September 8 | Mandatory Training on September 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the CLC
Youth in 6th -12th grades are invited to apply as a SPARK Youth volunteer or worker. Youth volunteers or workers engage with children to help them grow in faith, build strong fellowship, and have fun together. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. Youth often work in seasons to accommodate their school and extracurricular schedules. We ask that they commit to a 6–8 week season to ensure effective planning and mentoring. Before starting, training and paperwork are required to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
SPARK Youth participation options:
Youth in 6th -12th grades are invited to apply as a SPARK Youth volunteer or worker. Youth volunteers or workers engage with children to help them grow in faith, build strong fellowship, and have fun together. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. Youth often work in seasons to accommodate their school and extracurricular schedules. We ask that they commit to a 6–8 week season to ensure effective planning and mentoring. Before starting, training and paperwork are required to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
SPARK Youth participation options:
- Youth Volunteers:
- may earn hourly credits toward a scholarship. Hours of volunteerism will be tracked, and credit will be accumulated to be used toward a future or past (2026) Choir England Trip or Birmingham and Berkley First sponsored Mission trip in which the student participates in.
- may earn community service hours. (Youth will need to present a link or document for signature.)
- Youth Workers:
- a very limited number of paid positions are available, inquire directly to Megan Klapp for details mklapp@fumcbirmingham.org
- are employees of the church who will earn compensation. (Must be 14 years old, have a work permit and ALL required HR documents complete. Youth will be considered a volunteer until all required HR documents are completed and on file.)
- Required forms to be completed:
- SPARK application
- Medical Release form
- Volunteer Application & Background check (18 yr & over)
Each youth participating must complete and turn in the following: