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WELCOME TO FAMILY MINISTRIES - WESTCHASE
We truly believe that, "One generation will tell another of the mighty acts of God." Psalm 145:4 By passing on the stories of our faith to our children, we give them the a glimpse of the abundant life God has promise for each of us. Our goal is to support and encourage families to live life as faith-full families - helping one another reach their full potential in Christ.
Director of Children & Family Ministries: Colleen Dillahunty -
cdillahunty@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4711
Administrative Assistant: Sabitha Panthagani -
spanthagani@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4715
FAMILY FUN AND FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship with other christians is an important part of who we are as the family of God. Throughout the year we host family-friendly events such as
* pool parties
* sporting events
* picnics
* seasonal activities
* annual Family Retreat
If you would like more information or would like to help plan an upcoming event, please contact us as listed above.
NEWBORN MINISTRIES WITH FAMILIES
The Newborn Ministry Team would like to celebrate your family. Are you expecting? Are you planning to adopt? Do you know someone who is expecting? Would you like to be added to our prayer list of parents trying to conceive?
We would like to know your due date so that we can pray for you during your pregnancy. When your baby is born, we will place a Dutch cradle cross on the altar to share the good news with the First Methodist family.
For centuries the Dutch placed cradle crosses over the beds of their infant children that this symbol of the Christian faith might early become a part of the child’s consciousness. We affirm this wonderful tradition! A member of the Nursery Ministry Team will help to connect the cross with your family.
Transitioning into a new Sunday morning routine following the birth of a new little one can be complicated. The desire of our Newborn Team is to help growing families ease into this new routine. By assigning a volunteer to your family, we hope to answer questions, address special needs, highlight important information, and most importantly to pray for your family during this exciting time.
For more information contact Colleen Dillahunty at: cdillahunty@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4711.
BAPTISM CLASS
A Baptism Class is offered on the first Sunday of the month at our Westchase Campus. If you are ready to consider baptism for yourself or your child, come participate in this helpful class that meets at 10:05 a.m. in Room 135.
This class will help you sort out and answer questions about this blessed event, from helping you to explore the meaning of the sacrament of baptism to learning about the practical details.
For more information please contact: Colleen Dillahunty at: cdillahunty@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4711.
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
Jesus said, “Anyone who welcomes a child in my name welcomes me.” Matt 18:5
There is Always Room for Children in Worship
A Guide for Parents and Friends of Children Who Come to Worship with Us
WELCOME to worship at First Methodist Houston. As you look around our Worship Center, you will see that children are a part of our worshipping community. We celebrate the participation of young families in the life of the church and believe that children are active members of the First family. We make room for children in worship by:
- Teaching in Sunday School and other special programs the importance of worship in the life of our Church family,
Scheduling special opportunities for children to participate in worship in a variety of ways,
Giving our children an opportunity to experience worship on their level, learn about the elements of worship, and prepare them to become an active part of worship with all of God’s people.
Being a parent is an awesome responsibility. Training your children to worship is one way to pay attention to the truly important and life-changing moments of life. Parenting in the pew helps you participate in the most important thing you can ever train your child to do: worship. Here are a few suggestions for helping your child feel a part of our worshiping family:
- Concentrating on the sermon is the hardest part of the worship service for children of all ages. To help your child, you can ask the child to listen for stories. As the sermon begins, you can draw attention to it and ask a question. This can be the conversation on the way home. Turn about is fair play. Be prepared to answer their questions to see if you were focusing on the worship service.
- Teach your children to pray, beginning at a very young age. Encourage them to use their own words and to talk to God about things that concern them. Children need to see us at home and church as we pray out loud and kneel or sit in silence as we pray and listen for God’s guidance. Teach them to thank God and to pray for others.
The ABC’s
Arrive in time to find a good place to sit. Sit near the front to provide younger children with a better view. Have toddlers stand on the pews when the congregation rises. Keep an arm circled around them as you hold the Bible or bulletin for the child to see. Point to the words as the reading progresses.
Be aware of what will happen in the worship service. As soon as children can read at all, encourage them to hold their own Bible and bulletin. Have them watch for words that they know and join in at those times. Help them find the Scripture reading and follow along. Discuss worship in your home. Prepare children for any changes in the routine, such as communion Sunday. Take time to answer their questions.
Children should sit with you, the parent, and not friends. It is harder to pay attention to God when you are paying attention to your friends. Even teens benefit from sitting with their parents. Keep trips out of the Worship Center to a minimum during worship. See to bathroom stops, etc., prior to worship beginning.
Worship & Learning
Worship is God-centered praise and adoration. The church’s worship service is also one way by which people learn what it means to be a Christian. Children learn worship by worshipping with their church family Sunday after Sunday.
- They learn they belong to Christ and are welcome in Christ’s church. They also discover that they are valued as persons by God and by God’s people.
- They come to know the Lord’s Prayer, creeds, and songs and hymns from memory.
- They build a bank of memorable, shared experiences of Christian community from which they may draw upon when they are older.
- They hear stories from the Bible read and interpreted; and they begin to see Christian worship as one place where God may speak to them.
Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is an essential part of their growth as a follower of Jesus Christ. Free yourself from worrying about your children's behavior. Be open to receiving their ministry to you.
As we teach our children to love God, remember you are not your child’s only teacher. The Holy Spirit is at work in the life of your child. Enjoy your kids, let the church bless you, and trust God.
“Worship is the only thing we get to do forever.” Robbie Castleman, Parenting in the Pew
Q-ZONE GYMNASIUM PARTIES
Are you looking for a place to host your next birthday party? Come check out the Q-Zone, your party headquarters. Gymnasium parties can include moon walks, climbing wall, game room, or sports tournaments. Our staff will cater to your specific party needs and ensure that your time at Quillian is filled with great memories. For more information on party packages and booking your party at the Quillian Center please call Beverly Okosun at: bokosun@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4713. Parties are available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (as available).
Gymnasium Package includes:
Gymnasium, Game Room & Party Room
$200: 2 hour party
Bronze Package includes:
Gymnasium, Game Room, Choice of Rock Wall or
Sport Arenas Moonwalk & Party Room
$250: 2 hour party
Silver Package includes:
Gymnasium, Game Room, 2 in 1 Combo Moonwalk,
Rock Wall & Party Room
$300: 2 hour party
Gold Package includes:
Gymnasium, Rock Wall, 4 in 1 Combo Moonwalk,
Game Room & Party Room
$325: 2 hour party
Pricing for all packages is applicable for 25 guests.
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