After years of discussion and work by many folks dedicated to creating a closer and more inviting nursery, we will open the new nursery space this Sunday. Dave worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to paint and install flooring. A sink will be added in the coming weeks for caregivers and children to have easy access to clean hands. Please pop your head in to see the new space in-between services in the next weeks. You will notice that as a way to keep our children safe, we adhere to a two-adult rule within each classroom. If you enjoy childcare and would like to know how you can be involved with our youngest members and visitors, please contact Allison Brewer.

Two and Three Year Old Class

In the exciting transition out of the nursery and Jacob's Well area, the 2- and 3-year-old class will be displaced. Their dedicated teachers, Sue Blackman and Olivia Clancy, will be here over the next three weeks to help children with the big changes happening. Beginning September 10th with the Sunday School Kick Off, the nursery will be the home of all children ages 2 and under. Three-year-olds as of September 1st will join the preschool class upstairs in the children's discipleship area.

Where are the Children at 11 a.m.?

Many have noticed the children are invited out of 11 a.m. worship to a time of Worship Readiness with Allison Brewer. This time is currently led by Allison Brewer and Devin Morrison. It is a time for children ages three to third grade who have graduated from nursery care, but who benefit from a child-centered worship experience. We have studied everything from the church bulletin to several weeks on the Bible. We welcome visitors who would like to help or participate in this time of connecting and growing. 

Watch for Children's Sermons to return in the fall that will coincide with the Deep Blue Cokesbury Curriculum being used in Children's Discipleship.

Please join us and invite a friend to Sunday School Safari Open House on Sunday, September 10 and 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This isn't just for our current Sunday School families--everyone is encouraged to come see what is going on in Children's Discipleship at Topeka First United Methodist Church!

You will be welcomed into the Children's Discipleship Area by special Safari Guides to have a better understanding of the program and its needs and to have opportunities to connect with the children of the church.

Arrangements have been made for our members to tour some of the local retirement communities this summer. We will take a tour, then enjoy a complimentary lunch in their dining areas. There will not be a sales pitch. This is just a time to look around and gain information. Our next caravan takes us to Aldersgate Village. Stay tuned for details!

Shanae Elem, executive director of Topeka JUMP, will present at 9:30 a.m. on  Sunday, August 27 in Fellowship Hall. All are invited to learn more about Topeka JUMP and to ask questions.

Love and Logic is a commonsense approach that teaches parents skills to cultivate confidence and good decision-making in children by offering choices, empathy, and respect while adults avoid anger, threats, warnings, or lectures. Love and Logic is easy to learn and can be put to use right away; it changes lives and raises responsible children. Come and learn how to take some of the power struggle out of parenting using the Love and Logic Way.

Erin Corbin, a school counselor, will facilitate the eight Wednesday evening sessions: October 4,11,18, November 1,8,15, 29 and December 6. Childcare for Kindergarten and younger is available upon request. Registration is due by September 27th or until class limit of 12 is reached. The cost of the workbook is a gift from the church. You may register on our Church Connection Portal.

Financial Peace University is all about helping folks get the most out of their money, regardless of income or other demographics. As God has given us a responsibility over a portion of His resources, our money management is the part we have the most control over. Mitchell Fick will be facilitating FPU this fall for nine Wednesday evenings, September 6th to November 1st, 6-7:30 p.m. The class costs $89, which includes a Membership Kit containing many resources that will be used during the class. A sample is available at the front desk. Please register for FPU on our Church Connection Portal.

For more information about the class, you may contact Tiwana Whitten, Director of Connections. Childcare/programming is available by request for children 5 years and younger.  Registration ends September 1st

Great News! The bells have retuned from being refurbished and they are shiny and ready to ring this fall. Have you,your child, or your youth ever thought that it might be fun to try ringing those shiny bells on a Sunday morning? If so--or if you would like to know more about it--please contact Sharon Fick at 785-845-0366 or  send her an email.

Openings are available now for new ringers. Previous instrumental experience is always helpful, but not required. I would like to start a children's choir again for those in 3rd grade and above. Children's rehearsals would be on Wednesday evenings, but the time is still being determined. We need at least six children to have a successful choir. They must be capable of standing and paying attention for one hour in order to participate. The fall commitment for children is September though the children's pageant in December. Youth 6th grade through high school rehearse at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. There is a beginning adult bell choir on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. and an advanced bell choir on Thursday evenings at 6-7:30 p.m. For more information contact Sharon Fick.

Soon we will settle into the fall semester into with adult classes and children's Christmas pageant practices on Wednesday evenings. As part of this, we would like to offer meals as a time of fellowship and a respite from the hustle to eat before attending classes or practice. 

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve a Wednesday night dinner each week this fall. This can be done as an individual, a family, small group, or as a class. You can choose the menu or ask Michael Turner for ideas. The menu can be as elaborate as meatloaf and mashed potatoes to as simple as chili dogs with a salad bar. This opportunity to be in service to each other takes a small time commitment, but goes far toward building community. Contact Allison Brewer or Michael Turner to learn more or to volunteer to serve a meal. We will start with a dinner on September 27th to kick off the new season of classes, and plan to have pageant practice and most adult offerings beginning October 4th.

Be on the look out for more information regarding children's and adult programming on Wednesday nights.  

Many Thanks to Carl Nuzman and his band of Merry Methodists last Saturday who worked to complete the second of two playground structures at the Women's Correctional Facility. This structure will serve as a place for children to play with their mothers and grandmothers during visitation periods. Almost 90% of these women have children or grandchildren from whom they they are now separated. This playground will serve as an oasis for normal interactions, smiling faces, and happy memories surrounded by stark reality. It will stand for many years. The structure was purchased with memorial funds and matching funds by the UMW women's prison ministry team. Although the funding was raised to purchase the structures, there was not enough money left to get them professionally built. The Topeka First UMC men were an answer to our prayers. The projects have taken several years from the initial idea to completion. There are many rules and regulations for doing construction inside of a prison facility. Many thanks also to Teresa Tuchscherer, the women's prison ministry team, and the men of Topeka First UMC who completed the construction last Saturday. Special Thanks to Carl Nuzman and Roger Underwood who have organized the men's team and the background work that it took to make the project happen. 

The Topeka First UMC Wonderful Workers last Saturday on playground structure #2 in the minimum security area included... 

All are invited to celebrate the start of the new school year during the 10:30 connection time on August 20th. We will have chalk, bubbles and a snack out on the playground for all ages of children. We will plan to start at 10:30 and wrap up by 10:50 for those who will be attending worship.

Last Sunday at each service, many children and educators gathered in the Chapel and Sanctuary for a special time of blessing to give their school year a bright start. All received key chains to attach to their school bags, which included a scripture and message that assured them the members of Topeka First UMC are praying for them. Please continue to remember our educators and students in prayer throughout the year.