Children

From Birth to Grade 5

Children’s Ministries provides exciting opportunities for children from birth through grade 5. Partnering with parents, we help children become deeply committed Christians. We provide relevant, meaningful learning on Sundays, faith development programs, summer camps and special events.

Surrounded by a loving and devoted community, children experience inclusiveness and significant relationships with people of all ages. We hope that families grow together on their journey to know, love and serve God.

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Find out what’s happening in Children’s Ministry!
Leave your details below and we’ll be in touch.

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    If you would like to opt your child(ren) out of appearing on the church’s social media and website, complete the Media Opt Out Form.

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    Children’s Programs

    Family Ministries

    Programs for the whole family.

    F.I.S.H.

    Monthly service program (grade 5).

    Kid Nation

    Sunday morning program (preschool-grade 5).

    Messy Church

    Monthly program for creative worship.

    Nursery & Childcare

    Childcare for infants & children.

    The MomCo

    A community of mothers.

    Floris UMC Preschool

    Weekday program (children ages 2-4).

    Get Involved!

    We are thrilled to have you serve in Children’s Ministries! You have many opportunities to use your gifts to invest in the lives of children.

    We have a place for all parents to connect and engage! Use your skills and abilities to serve with us and help your children grow spiritually. Every family is welcome!

    For more information, contact Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh.

    Meet the Team

    Wendy Hilbert
    Children’s Ministries Coordinator/Childcare Supervisor

    Wendy Hilbert

    Debbie Lawler
    Preschool Director

    Debbie Lawler

    Children's Ministry Director

    Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh

    Karen O'Dell
    Preschool Assistant Director

    Karen O’Dell

    Children’s Ministries Coordinator/Childcare Supervisor

    Wendy Hilbert

    Wendy was born and raised in Northern Virginia and graduated from Chantilly High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in health and recreation management from George Mason University and her Master of Arts degree in management from American Public University. Wendy has worked for Fairfax County Parks and Recreation and has served as an adjunct professor for APU.

    Wendy was overjoyed to join the Floris UMC staff in January 2013 and loves helping share God’s love with the children of Floris UMC.

    First job: Working at Total Crafts in Chantilly, Virginia

    Favorite Bible verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Idea of a perfect day: Doing something fun outside such as going to the zoo, apple picking, having a fun day at the beach or going to a local farm with her two sons, daughter and husband.

    Most interesting vacation: A trip to Europe with stops in Ireland, Scotland, England, Paris and Holland.

    Email:whilbert@florisumc.org

    Phone:703-665-6726 x215

    Preschool Director

    Debbie Lawler

    Debbie became the preschool director at Floris UMC in May 2014. Floris UMC Preschool is the fourth preschool that Debbie has had the privilege to run in her career. Previously, she was a director in Warner Robins, Georgia; Hampton, Virginia; and Fairfax, Virginia. Debbie has a Bachelor of Arts in education from Arizona State University. She grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where her parents still live today. She met her husband, Scott, when she was 15 and married him several years later. Debbie and Scott traveled the country while Scott served in the Air Force for 21 years. They settled in the Northern Virginia area in 1997 and have two grown children.

    Debbie enjoys the challenge of running a preschool with 170 children and 20 staff members. Her responsibilities include communicating with parents, church staff, teachers and, of course, playing with the preschoolers (obviously the best part of every day)!

    First job: Being a summer camp counselor at First Baptist Church in Tallahassee

    Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 4:13

    Idea of a perfect day: Skiing down the mountains in Breckenridge, Colorado, with her family or sitting on the beach with a good book and a cool beverage.

    Most people don’t know this about her: She is an avid sports fan, especially college sports!

    Most interesting vacation: Exploring the Caribbean islands with her family during a week-long cruise.

    Email:dlawler@florisumc.org

    Phone:703-793-0026 x119

    Children's Ministry Director

    Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh

    Ruth Anne is a lifelong United Methodist who grew up in Northern Virginia. She has a Master of Theological Studies from Drew Theological School and has spent many years in Christian Education as both a professional staff member and a volunteer. Ruth Anne and her husband, Dave, have three grown children and a silly corgi, Kirby.

    Job Responsibilities:
    Ruth Anne oversees children’s ministries. Working with staff and volunteers, she endeavors to ensure that everyone touched by our ministry knows they are a beloved child of God.

    First Job: Church Day Camp Counselor

    Favorite Bible Verse: Micah 6:8

    Most Interesting Vacation: Visiting the coast of Maine where we saw seals and starfish in the wild, marveled at the most amazing sunsets, and ate some of the freshest seafood ever.

    Preschool Assistant Director

    Karen O’Dell

    Email:kodell@florisumc.org

    Phone:703-662-9062 x112

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