Adults
First UMC offers many ministries where you can connect and get to know other people, as well as grow in your relationship with God.
Adult Ministries
There are many opportunities for our members to come together in fellowship and enjoy socializing, learning, and growing in the spirit of Christ. Everyone is invited to join us for fellowship and refreshments in the fellowship hall on Sundays from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 9:00.
United Methodist Men
The United Methodist Men (UMM) is an organized community of men who share in Christian fellowship, support, and community outreach. Mission projects supported by the United Methodist Men include Scouting, Heart Havens and Camp Rainbow Connection. The UMM meet once monthly, generally on the second Saturday of the month at 8:00 am, for breakfast, Bible Study, and conversation.
United Women in Faith
The United Methodist Women (UWF) is an organized community of women who desire to share Christian fellowship and support missions and ministries of the church in the local community and throughout the world. Members participate in monthly unit (churchwide) and circle (small group) meetings; times and places of meetings vary. All women of the church are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please contact the pastor to learn more.
Sunday School
Several adult classes offer a variety of approaches to Bible study and discussion, 9:00 a.m. on Sundays. See Bible Study page for details.
Happy People
Bible study, singing and a fun activity and snack are provided during this Sunday morning class for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. This is a ministry unique to downtown Hampton. This class is located downstairs in the Education Building, just across from the Fellowship Hall.
Nifty Crafters
The Nifty Crafters enjoy fellowship while working on projects such as sewing, quilting, and other crafts. They also support the church’s outreach and mission efforts by sewing pillows for breast cancer patients to use after surgery. Nifty Crafters generally meet the first and third Tuesday of each month, beginning at 10:00 am.
Youth & Children
Youth Ministry
Our formal youth ministries are in a stage of regrouping after a hiatus of a few years. Young people in middle school and high school are always welcome in worship. Our annual mission trip to Project Crossroads is a great opportunity to build inter-generational relationships and to learn through serving others. If your family has teens or pre-teens who are interested in youth group, Sunday school, or Confirmation, please contact the church office to be connected with our pastor.
Children’s Ministries
We love and welcome children of all ages in the life of our congregation.
Sunday School
On Sunday mornings, we have a one-room Sunday school for ages 3-12, where older children learn to model for and help with younger children as they explore Bible stories through a range of learning styles.
Nursery & Worship
Child care with trained, background-checked, caring volunteers, is available for children from infants to age 3, starting at 9:45 a.m. Children are also welcome to remain with their families in worship. We have a children’s message about 15 minutes into the worship service, when young people (and those young at heart!) are invited to the front of the sanctuary for conversation about the day’s Bible reading or theme.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is a joyful annual tradition at First UMC. Typically held the last week of June, children age 3 up to those having completed 5th grade are invited to a week of exploring Bible stories through energetic songs, fun crafts, engaging games and science activities, and creative snacks. VBS is free and open to all families in the community. Pre-registration helps us plan (including preparing adequate supplies!) but is not required. Check out our Facebook page or join our email list to stay in the loop for each year’s theme and important dates.
Be sure to check out the ministries and events listed under All Ages below for more opportunities to help young people connect with others and grow closer to God!
Sign up for our email list
Sign up below to receive the Zoom links and instructions for either of these groups, or call the church office (757-723-6577) to learn more.
All Ages
Movie Nights
Throughout the year, the Family Ministries & Events team puts on a number of Movie Nights, often with a themed dinner or other refreshments. These are friendly, informal gatherings for individuals, couples, and families to come together and enjoy each other’s company, along with food and entertainment. Check out our News & Calendar for upcoming events!
Seasonal Events: Easter Party, Halloween Party, Live Nativity
First UMC hosts three seasonal events each year that are geared toward families with children. Our annual Easter Party includes Easter egg hunts for various age groups, cookie decorating, crafts, and games. At Halloween we celebrate in costume with a delicious chili supper and a Haunted House to provide family-friendly thrills. And in December, children are invited to sign up early to take part as shepherds, angels, and the Holy Family as we perform the story of Jesus’ birth as told in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. We hope you can join us sometime!
Music
Our Director of Music Ministry is Dean Shinn, who has served First UMC in this capacity for nearly three decades, and brings a joyful spirit to all of our music ministries.
Chancel Choir
Our primary worship choir is open to all who have a love of music as a means of praising God and a willingness to learn.
Rehearsal most Thursdays from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Messengers
This select men’s quartet provides special music in worship several times a year.
Hand Bell Choir
Features four octaves of English hand bells.
Rehearsal most Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Director: Dean Shinn
Sine Nomine
Small handbell ensemble, performing in worship and for other special events on occasion.
Yoga Classes
Two yoga classes are offered each week for people of any level of experience:
- Fitness Yoga takes place Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.
- Gentle Yoga is held Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. .
Our instructor, Holly Yaskowsky, is a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor, fully licensed and insured. She received her certification through Zenya Yoga Academy in 2015 and is registered with Yoga Alliance. Classes are held in the Fellowship Hall and are beginner friendly. $5 per class. Contact Holly via email at hollyyaz@cox.net or visit her website at www.facebook.com/yazyogaholly
Sign up for our email list
Sign up below to receive the Zoom links and instructions for either of these groups, or call the church office (757-723-6577) to learn more.