5th & 6th Grade Lock-In
August 1st at 5:00 p.m. at the Student Center
Join us for the 5th/6th Grade Lock-In on August 1st, starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Student Center! This overnight adventure includes dinner, a trip to Rock City, snacks, games, and a fun night spent with friends. After our Rock City tour, we’ll return to the Student Center for late-night activities and wind down for lights out at 12:30 a.m. Students will wake up at 7:00 a.m. for a light continental breakfast, with pickup at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. The cost is $35 per student, and scholarships are available upon request. Don’t forget to bring a sleeping bag! We are also looking for adult volunteers to help make this a safe and successful night. Use the form below to register your child and let us know if you’d like to volunteer or request a scholarship.
Move Up Sunday
August 3rd at 9:30 a.m. at the Oak Street Theater
Move Up Sunday is August 3rd at 9:30 a.m. in the Oak Street Theater! Join us as we celebrate a big milestone for our children as they “move up” into new classrooms and ministry areas for the new school year. It’s a joyful morning of recognition and excitement for all God has in store in this next chapter!
Blessing of the Backpacks
August 10th during the 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
Blessing of the Backpacks is Sunday, August 10th during the 10:45 a.m. worship service! ALL students (kids, youth, and college ages) are invited to bring their backpacks as we offer a special time of prayer and blessing over them. This meaningful tradition is a way for our church family to support and encourage students, teachers, and school staff as they begin a new school year. We hope you’ll join us for this uplifting moment!
First Kids Parent Meeting
August 24th at 9:30 a.m. in the Oak Street Theater
Join the us for an awesome opportunity to learn more about the great things happening at First Kids! We will begin by hosting a meet & greet with the new director, Ellen Ward, and then enjoy a brief presentation on all the exciting upcoming events and any other information about the ministry. See you there!
Volunteer as a First Kids Sunday School Teacher
Do you have a heart for kids and a passion for sharing God's love? First Kids Children's Ministry is looking for volunteers to serve as Sunday School teachers to help guide and nurture the next generation in their faith journey! No prior teaching experience? No problem! We provide curriculum, resources, and support to make it easy and meaningful. Whether you can serve once a month or every week, your time and dedication will make a lasting impact.
Join us in creating a fun, faith-filled environment for our kids!
Join us in creating a fun, faith-filled environment for our kids!
Interested in working for First Kids?
We're looking for folks to join our team. Email firstkids@firstcentenary.com with any questions. Click the form below to submit a job application
Sunday Mornings
In-Person Sunday School for Birth to 5th Grade
- Join us from 9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Childcare & Children's Worship available during 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Worship Services
- Preschool Mini Worship at 11:00 a.m.
- Elementary First Kids LIVE! at 11:00 a.m.
First Kids Virtual Sunday Lessons
- FOR ALL AGES - Video links are posted beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday for you to show your children when it fits best in your family's schedule. (Pick your own family God time!)
Wednesday Nights
- Prime Time Family Dinner (5:30 p.m.)
- Children's Music (6:00 p.m.)
- Littles Clubhouse Fun (6:30 p.m.)
PreK4 - 1st Grade
- Music activities will start at 6:00 p.m.
- After music, the children will go to the Elementary Wing for more church fun activities
- Please pick up your children by 7:40 p.m.
2nd - 5th Graders
- Music activities at 6:00 p.m.
- Afterwards they will go to the gym for more fun
- Please pick your children up in the gym no later than 7:40 p.m.
Our children’s program is so much more than singing in a choir. We teach rhythm, melody, play instruments, & play games that teach how to read & play music – skills for a lifetime! All children are invited to participate in this enjoyable & enriching experience!
Leesha Vander Wilt
Assistant Director
Leesha Vander Wilt
Assistant Director
Leesha Vander Wilt has been working with children at First-Centenary since 2016. She has been the Assistant Children’s Director since 2024. Leesha has a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of West Florida. Leesha has a heart for children that she learned from her mother and continues to show that heart every week through the ministry.
When not at church, Leesha is usually hanging out with her kid, her dog, her father and/or her flock of chickens. She enjoys being outside walking her father's work property and seeing the amazing things that God's created. She also enjoys gardening and keeps up with her mother's flower garden.
When not at church, Leesha is usually hanging out with her kid, her dog, her father and/or her flock of chickens. She enjoys being outside walking her father's work property and seeing the amazing things that God's created. She also enjoys gardening and keeps up with her mother's flower garden.