Our Children’s Education Ministry department is here to serve families with children ages 6
weeks through 4th grade. We strive to create an environment that is safe and fun, where they
can hear great stories from the bible, as well as our Methodist traditions. We hope to spark their love of God and give families support, resources, and tools to continue to grow in their faith formation outside of the church
We use a rotation Sunday School model where our kids walk their way through the Bible in various stations such as story time, cooking class, art, and more! Come experience the fun of the Sunday Morning Children’s program!
On Sundays at 10:00am, children ages Kindergarten through 4th grade meet in the Children’s Wing, which is in the church’s basement. We gather in the large main room right below the sanctuary and split off to our classes from there. Infants to 2 years olds gather in our nursery which is in the Great Hall building.
No! We offer so much more! Children and family events are offered throughout the year. The Children’s Council sponsors events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Vacation Bible School, Third Grade Bible Presentation, Back to School Celebration, and an Advent Workshop. We also have regular Wednesday night activities throughout the school year!
Yes! We have a vibrant children’s music program. Head over to the Music page to learn more about voice choirs and chime choirs for kids!
Volunteer opportunities are available for any of the children’s programs. Teachers and teaching assistants are used each week during Seeker Sunday School. Volunteers to assist with seasonal activities are always welcome as well. Please contact Catherine or Jules to find the best fit for your availability and comfort level.
All Volunteers are Safe Gatherings Certified. This is a training and approval process we ask all volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults to complete before working in our varied ministries. It ensures safe spaces for kids and adults.
Safe Gatherings is a program we participate in as part of the larger United Methodist Church in Arkansas that helps to screen and train Adult volunteers who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. We want to ensure our learning environments are the safe places for our most vulnerable. Thus, if you want to volunteer in one of these programs, we require you to go through the Safe Gatherings process.
You may also contact Angie Hogue, ECC program director, or our co-directors of Children’s Ministries at Conway FUMC: Catherine Gatlin and Jules Koen.
Check out the lastest events happening in our Children’s Ministry!
Catherine Gatlin is dedicated to fostering love and connection among children and their families at First United Methodist Church. Her journey at FUMC began in 2013 as an assistant in Children’s Ministries, and over the years, she progressed to the roles of interim and co-director by 2021. Catherine's passion lies in guiding children and families to discover their place within our faith community. Having grown up at FUMC, she is committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed at the table.
Catherine holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College (2000) and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (2002). Before joining the church, she accumulated diverse experience in medical social work, working with individuals spanning all age groups, from children to older adults.
Outside of her professional life, Catherine is a devoted mother to three energetic boys, always striving to keep up with their bustling activities. She also finds joy in exploring new places through travel. Spotting Catherine and her family at US Pizza and Tacos 4 Life is a common occurrence when they're out and about in town.
Jules Koen brings her passion for planning, decorating, and orchestrating joyous events for children and families to FUMC. Transforming Bible lessons into dynamic, interactive experiences for children of all ages is where she thrives. Jules embarked on her journey with the FUMC children's department in 2017, initially as a volunteer, and became co-director in 2021.
After attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Jules earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2002. Prior to joining FUMC, she dedicated years to serving as a pediatric and adult ICU and ER nurse, gaining valuable experience in medical facilities across the country.
Outside of work, Jules leads a fulfilling life with her husband and three boys, actively participating in their diverse range of activities. Whether traveling, playing tennis, or immersing herself in a renovation project, she embraces the challenges and joys of a busy family life. Jules and her family can often be found at various baseball fields across the state, but they also cherish moments spent dining at Patron, Zaza's, and Chick-fil-A in Conway.
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