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Administrative Assistant Cara Walkup Administrative Assistant cara@fumcgt.org Next Item Previous Item

NEW HERE? Welcome to First United Methodist Church Georgetown Texas! We are so glad that you're here! We offer both in person and online worship services that include vibrant music, a meaningful children's moment, messages focused on strengthening your relationship with God and encouraging you to share God's love everywhere you go. We hope to see you in worship- virtually or on campus! 8:30 TRADITIONAL SERVICE 8:30AM IN THE SANCTUARY The 8:30 am sanctuary service is a traditional worship service that follows a liturgy with a scripture-inspired message and is accompanied by a choir and orchestra leading congregational hymns in our sanctuary. 10:45 CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 10:45AM IN THE MCMC The 10:45 am contemporary worship service has a relaxed atmosphere with a dynamic praise band along with a scripture-inspired message 11:10 TRADITIONAL SERVICE 11:10AM IN THE SANCTUARY The 11:10 am service is a more casual traditional worship service with a choir leading congregational and modern hymns with a powerful message in our sanctuary. ABOUT FUMC GEORGETOWN WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? FUMC Georgetown can be a busy place! We recommend arriving 15 minutes early. That will give you plenty of time to park, get any kiddos signed into the nursery or Sunday School, as well as grab a cup of coffee, donut, or breakfast taco! Our 8:30 crowd is a little sleepier, arriving 5-10 minutes early will give you plenty of time. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? You’ll see everything, from more dressy in the Traditional services to more casual at our Contemporary service. CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN & STUDENTS? Yes of course! Children and Students are always welcome at FUMC! For Children PreK to 4th Grade,, visit fumcgt.org/children . For Students 5th to 12th Grade, visit fumcgt.org/students. DO YOU HAVE A NURSERY? Yes! A nursery is available for children 4 years and under. The nursery is in room 123, located in the ground floor of our Atkin Learning Center in the Education Building. For more information, visit fumcgt.org/children. WHAT ARE STUDENTS GRADES 5-12 UP TO? We offer an engaging and inspiring Sunday School designed specifically for our students! This class combines fun activities with meaningful lessons tailored to their age group, fostering spiritual growth and community connections. Every Sunday, from 9:45 to 10:40 , come discover a welcoming space where young minds can explore faith in a way that's both relevant and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you there! 9:45-10:40 AM in the Student Ministry area, 2nd floor of the ALC. Room 220 upstairs in the Atkin Learning Center building WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR ADULTS? FUMC has a diverse variety of Adult Sunday School classes ranging from discussions, to book studies, to lecture style classes. Most classes meet from 9:45 - 10:40 AM, between our Traditional and Contemporary classes. We also have a new ministry starting at FUMC that will create a space for 'Youngish' adults (both with and without children) to come together and grow in their relationships. Our hope is that this ministry will help its members create lifelong connections that will follow them through all of the stages of life. For more Information and how to join either Adult SS and our Youngish Ministry, see Get Connected HOW DO I NAVIGATE FUMC CAMPUS? The FUMC Georgetown campus is large and sometimes difficult to navigate. This historic church has undergone many construction projects throughout its almost 125-year history. Therefore, sometimes it can be difficult to find classrooms, offices, and even restrooms. If you are on our campus, please do not hesitate to ask for directions! WHERE SHOULD I PARK? There are three parking lots around the FUMC Georgetown campus with many parking spaces for those with limited mobility as well as parking spaces for guests. A covered drive is also available at the back of the main building to safely drop off those in your family with limited mobility. Off-campus parking is available each Sunday in two locations: the parking lot on the corner of Myrtle Street and University Avenue (behind Tony and Luigi's restaurant), and the parking lot behind the GISD Administration building (across University Avenue from FUMC Campus). CAN'T MAKE IT? Join us LIVE at 8:30 & 10:45 every Sunday! JOIN US LIVE OUR BELIEFS We embrace the belief that every person is a beloved child of God. Following Christ's teachings, we strive to embody love, grace, and mercy in our community. As United Methodists, we believe Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We also hold Scripture to be a guiding source of understanding in our faith. While our belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is essential, we are open to a variety of perspectives beyond this core belief. We do not all think alike or interpret the Bible in identical ways, which is to be celebrated. We focus on three key ministry areas to guide our goals and resource allocation. Children & Students We have reimagined our approach to teaching by intentionally creating space for children and students to draw conclusions and arrive at new understandings. This means we do not provide set answers but offer context and guidance to help the teachings of scripture become more real in each child or student’s own life. Our focus is to help each child and student build a foundation in faith that will continue to be developed throughout their lives. We support our families with resources and opportunities to share this journey with their children and students, including at-home activities, with suggested guidelines and materials. Adults At FUMC, we celebrate our community as a dynamic place for all adults. We value the unique experiences and insights that each person brings, actively seeking ways to harness their talents and creativity across our ministries. We recognize the challenges that come with different life stages and are committed to offering a variety of programs and support for everyone, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for all. Missions & Outreach We have long been a community leader and partner in helping to alleviate the needs of those in crisis and living at the margins of society. Our outreach efforts mirror our other focus areas in that we have a multi-faceted initiative geared towards assisting children and students in reaching their academic potential. This initiative involves several GISD campuses and works with partnerships to address obstacles, build relationships, and support the overall growth of children and students. We also provide financial support and volunteer resources for non-profits who support senior adults, such as Meals on Wheels, Faith in Action, the Wesleyan Homes, and other valued partners. Ready to Join FUMC? Ready to become part of the First United Methodist Church family? We’re excited to welcome you! Simply click the link below and fill out the questions to start your journey with us. Your next chapter begins here! I'm Ready!

Senior Pastor Rev. Alan McGrath Senior Pastor alan@fumcgt.org Alan grew up in the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. His home church, New World in Arlington, introduced him to Glen Lake Camp, summer mission trips, and youth choir tours. Receiving his first appointment in 1999, Alan has served churches of all styles and sizes from a church start in Mansfield, a multi-staff church in Acton, a country church in Brock, a community-focused Hutto church, and most recently FUMC Killeen serving many military families. His sermons are likely to include encouragements to love our neighbor, serve in the community, and grow in understanding the grace of God open to all people through Jesus Christ. Alan met Traci at the A&M Wesley Foundation and they held their wedding in the chapel at Glen Lake Camp. Traci leads an enrichment program in Georgetown called Treehouse Learning Community. Their oldest son, Pax, loves baseball and basketball while their youngest, Beckett, is usually outdoors creating or learning more about nature. The McGraths love to camp in our Texas State Parks and frequently avoid the summer heat vacationing in New Mexico or Colorado. Next Item Previous Item

SERVE OUR COMMUNITY There are many ways to serve at our community in Georgetown and it's surroundings areas. For more information about these opportunities, email missions@fumcgt.org. Disaster Relief The Disaster Relief team at First United Methodist Church Georgetown is dedicated to providing critical support and assistance in the wake of emergencies. When disaster strikes, United Methodists have a long legacy of helping their neighbors and communities, and this team continues that tradition by offering aid, resources, and compassion to those affected. Through coordinated efforts and a spirit of service, they work tirelessly to bring relief and hope to those in need. See below to learn how we use our hands and feet to 'Live Out God's Love Everywhere We Go.' Learn More Education Connection Our Mission is simple, straightforward, and achievable…every child reading by the end of 3rd grade. Join us as we combat childhood literacy, one of the largest problems in our community, by equipping volunteers to read one-on-one with students at Annie Purl Elementary School, while supporting educators as they help children to learn and grow. Volunteers meet with one child once a week to help them improve their reading skills. Please consider giving 30 minutes per week to help us reach our goal—to have every child reading by the end of third grade. You just need a willing heart, a background check, and a video or in person training. For more information or to volunteer, visit https://www.education-connection.org Project Transformation Project Transformation envisions a world that is rooted in love, pursues the equity of all people, and amplifies God’s call on every life. PT’s mission is to transform communities by engaging children, college-age young adults, and churches in purposeful relationships. PT’s program goal is to empower children, through relationships, to discover and live their God-given potential in mind, body, and spirit for future success. If you are interested or have questions, contact children@fumcgt.org Getsemani Community Garden Founded in 2012, Getsemani Community Garden grows food for those in need, offers neighbors a place to garden, and provides lessons on how to garden. Garden volunteers meet Tuesday and Friday mornings at Getsemani Community Garden, 412 E. 19th St, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Quail Valley Neighborhood Ministry The Quail Valley Neighborhood Ministry, a partnership between FUMC Georgetown and The Salvation Army Georgetown Service Center, is focused on providing meaningful recreation and social opportunities for kids and families within the greatest area of need in the Annie Purl Elementary attendance zone. All events are located at the corner of Quail Valley and Katy Lane unless noted. For more information or to volunteer, contact bobkalka@gmail.com or sign up HERE . Backpack Buddies The Backpack Buddies Program is a volunteer organization that provides food each weekend to food-insecure students. In collaboration with the GISD administration, counselors at each elementary, middle, and high school campus determine which students are in need of food on the weekends and invite them to participate in the program. Over 47% of the Georgetown ISD students are eligible for the free or reduced-price school breakfast/lunch program and are therefore eligible for the Backpack Buddies Program. FUMC volunteers pack food bags each week for Wagner Middle School. There are approximately 110 volunteers from ten Georgetown area churches that pack food bags for all the Georgetown ISD schools—currently over 900 bags per week. For more information or to volunteer, contact info@georgetownbackpackbuddies.org Helping Hands of Georgetown Helping Hands of Georgetown is a mobile food pantry dedicated to breaking down barriers to essential resources in our community. We provide crucial food support to those in need, ensuring that everyone in Georgetown has access to nutritious meals. Join us in our mission to make a difference and support those who need it most. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sasha Christensen at Executive@helpinghandsgtx.org Texas Ramp Project Serving 139 counties in Texas, the Texas Ramp Project is a nonprofit organization that provides handicapped ramps for low income adults and children with disabilities. If you are interested or have questions, contact Volunteer@texasramps.org Sleep in Heavenly Peace Serving all of Williamson County, Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and provides free beds to families with children who do not have a place of their own to sleep. Their mission is simple: "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town!" For more information or to volunteer, contact Ben Lake at ben.lake@shpbeds.org Georgetown Helpers Georgetown Helpers is an all-volunteer service group made of men and women from Georgetown and its surrounding areas, providing minor home maintenance and repair services with a key focus on safety issues in the home. Most of their work supports senior and those with disabilities. No experience necessary! For more information or to volunteer, contact Jim Ruth at GeorgetownHelpers@gmail.com The Caring Place Since 1985, The Caring Place has provided for the basic human needs of all people in our community in a welcoming, respectful and caring way. The Caring Place is a community-based, community-supported, and community-serving organization located in Georgetown, Texas. The success of The Caring Place depends on the dedication and professionalism of our volunteer workforce. The Caring Place has hundreds of volunteers who give of their time every year. For more information or to volunteer, contact Rita Turner at rturner@caringplacetx.org Isaiah 117 House The Isaiah 117 house provided physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement. They aim to to reduce trauma for children awaiting placement, lighten the load on welfare services, and ease the transition for foster families. Volunteer positions include hosting donation drives, leading engagement activities +more! Care Giving volunteers (those who work with the kids in the home) must be 18+ and complete a full background check . For more information or to volunteer, contact WilliamsonTX@isaiah117house.com Wesleyan Senior Healthcare Volunteers at The Wesleyan utilize their skills and talents to nourish the mind, body, and spirit of those who call The Wesleyan home. From providing personal companionship to grounds beautification, there are ample service opportunities for individuals, church congregations, civic groups, and local businesses. For more information or to volunteer, contact Life Enrichment Director Carly Gurgin at Carly.Gurgian@wesleyanhomes.org Faith in Action Faith in Action Georgetown is a non-profit organization helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. Volunteers are needed to provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores and various other errands. This volunteer opportunity is very flexible and extremely rewarding. Volunteer drivers are scheduled online at your convenience. Volunteers establish their own limits of time and driving areas. You will enjoy spending time with these gracious and delightful individuals. For more information or to volunteer, visit https://www.faithinactiongt.org/volunteer Carver Center for Families The Carver Center for Families (CCF) in Georgetown, Texas is a family resource center (FRC) that nurtures the health and well-being of children, youth, and families, and builds on the strengths of our community’s parents, caregivers, and residents, as well as the organizations that support them. For more information for to volunteer, visit https://carvercenterforfamilies.org/affiliates/

Media & Events Coordinator Jessica Trevarthen Media & Events Coordinator jessica@fumcgt.org Jessica is thrilled to step into the role of Media & Events Coordinator at FUMC. Before joining the team in 2023, she earned degrees in Journalism and a BS in Radio-TV-Film from UT Austin. She looks forward to creating engaging and uplifting videos that celebrate the church and its community. Outside of her role at FUMC, Jessica runs an online clothing store focused on sustainable fashion and works at special events as an EMT. At home, she enjoys relaxing with her dog, Beans, and her cat, Peaches. Next Item Previous Item

Young*ish is our newest ministry for young-ish grownups—married, single, with kids or without, dog people, cat people, and everyone in between. Wherever you are in life, you’re welcome here! This active and dynamic community is designed for young adults navigating careers, relationships, parenting, faith, and more! Whether you’re new to faith or looking for a fresh perspective, Young*ish is here to journey with you. Let’s do life together! For more information about our groups and ministry, email youngishfumcgt@gmail.com Men's Bible Study The Good, The Bad, and The Holy is a Youngish Men's Bible Study, meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at Rentsch Brewery in Georgetown. Women's Bible Study Belles of The Bible is Youngish Women's Bible Study, meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 6:15-7:30 PM in Room 301. Women's Ornament Exchange, 2024 Holy Smokes Cookout, 2024 Young*ish at Tasty Trails Food Trucks Sun, Mar 01 Tasty Trails - Food, Fun & Brew More info Learn more YOUNG*ISH EVENTS In addition to our weekly bible studies, we’ve got exciting things planned— cookouts, social events, and evenings out around town—all with the goal of helping you grow, belong, and make an impact. See below for a list of our upcoming events!

SERVE AT CHURCH There are many ways to serve at FUMC Georgetown. For more information about these opportunities, email office@fumcgt.org . All FUMC Volunteers must complete the Ministry Safe process through FUMC Georgetown. Ministry Safe must be renewed every two years for current volunteers. If you are new to Ministry Safe at FUMC Georgetown, please click this link to get started: Ministry Safe Care Chaplain If you have a heart for those who are suffering, lonely, grieving, or just in need of a friend, becoming a Care Chaplain might be for you! Here is what being a Care Chaplain might involve: visiting folks who are home-centered on a weekly or monthly basis, hospital visits, helping with funerals at the church, writing cards, making calls to visitors or new members, visiting retirement facilities to see church members regularly, or taking flowers or food to folks in need. For more information or to volunteer, contact Kathy Pena at kpena@fumcgt.org or Pastor Tina at tina@fumcgt.org. PALS Place PALS (Patience And Loving Support) is a ministry of FUMC Georgetown to our members as well as the Georgetown community. The ministry offers four hours of respite care on Mondays to persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The time away also gives needed rest to the spouse or other caregiver. There are many opportunities for volunteer service at PALS. You may volunteer for one or more Mondays each month. Some of the needs are for only 1 or 2 hours. There are positions available in the following areas of our PALs ministry: musician, craft helper, exercise leader, games assistant, a “buddy” to a participant, entertainment ideas assistant (can be done by email or phone), or planning assistant. For more information or to volunteer, contact Kathy Pena at care@fumcgt.org . Worship & Liturgical Arts We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help enhance our worship experience! Join the Altar Guild to prepare the sanctuary and Communion elements, become an Usher to warmly welcome and assist worshipers, or participate as an Acolyte (grades 3-6) to light candles and help with Communion. We also need Scripture Readers to share God’s word, Communion Servers to assist during Communion, and creative minds for the Liturgical Arts team and Flower Ministry. For more information or to volunteer, contact Marc Profant at marc@fumcgt.org Receptions Team This team prepares for bereavement receptions which are offered on behalf of family members so they may have a comfortable setting in which to greet mourners who have come to grieve with them. This team also prepares for other types of receptions, celebrations, and special meals in the life of the church. Opportunities to serve on the Reception Team include preparing or providing food, coordinating catering when appropriate, decorating when needed, helping with setup, serving, and clean up. For more information or to volunteer, contact Mary Bray at mtcole2@icloud.com Ushers & Greeters We’re looking for some friendly faces to help volunteer on Sunday mornings to greet guests, serve in worship to help guests find their seats, distribute worship guides, and assist with the Offering during worship. For more information or to volunteer, contact ashley@fumcgt.org Student Ministry Our Student Ministry focuses on helping our students strengthen their faith foundation and deepening their relationship with God. Our effectiveness comes as a result of strong parent and adult engagement in the lives of our students. 5th-6th Graders meet Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:30 PM. To help with meals on Wednesday evenings, please visit https://bit.ly/Crossroads56Meals . 7th-12th Graders meet Sundays from 6:00pm-7:30 PM. To help with meals on Sunday evenings, please visit https://bit.ly/Crossroads712Meals . Children's Ministry Have you ever wondered what exactly happens when the children leave for children’s church? Do you wish you could help with children, but not have to teach? Volunteer for children’s church! We’re looking for patient adults to buddy with some of our 5-year-old worshippers in children’s church. For more information or to volunteer, contact children@fumcgt.org

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY At First United Methodist Church, we are nurturing children's growth in grace through a developmentally appropriate environment. Our Children's Ministries offer opportunities to grow in and learn about God's grace all through the year; through Sunday morning studies, summer camps, missions, and the Learning Tree Preschool. For any additional questions or concerns, contact children@fumcgt.org Connect with us by joining the Children's Ministry Facebook Group! @FUMCGTchildren Children's Sunday School Join us for Children's Sunday School from 9:45-10:40 AM Children's Sunday School Topics January 11th January 18th January 25th February 1st Our Children’s Sunday School provides a welcoming, age-appropriate environment for PreK-4th grade children. Kids gather in Room 203 for engaging lessons designed just for them, while parents are welcome to attend an A dult Sunday School class during the same hour. Children's Church Join us for Children's Church from 11:00 -11:45 AM For our 5 year-olds - 3rd graders, Children’s Church is an extension of our regular worship service, designed especially for kids! Here, they can participate in worship at their level while still being connected to the larger church community. 10:45 AM MCMC Service – During this service, children are invited to the front for a Children's Moment. After the Children’s Moment, Children’s Ministry staff will lead them next door to Room 1003 for Children's Church. Pick-up is at the end of the service from Room 1003. 11:10 AM Sanctuary Service - Before this service, children should be dropped off in Room 1003 in the MCMC. They will be walked back to the Sanctuary by Ministry staff to join their parents for the end of worship. Please Note: Children’s Church does not meet on the first Sunday of each month so that children may take communion with their families. Nursery Care Nursery Care is available for Ages 4 and Under For our youngest members, we provide a safe and loving nursery from during the Sunday School hour and all services. Our nursery is located in Room 123 in the ALC and is open from 8:30 AM -12:30PM. For questions or concerns, contact children@fumcgt.org Volunteer in our Children's Ministry We are always looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School, Mission Mondays, Children's Sunday School and much more! Contact children@fumcgt.org for more information on how to volunteer. All volunteers must be MinistrySafe Certified prior to volunteering. CHILDREN'S EVENTS Mission Monday Feb 16, 2026, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM MCMC More info RSVP Community Easter Egg Hunt Mar 29, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Getsemani Community Center, 412 E 19th St, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA More info Learn more

Privacy Policy A legal disclaimer The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of a Privacy Policy. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific privacy policies you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy - the basics Having said that, a privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the data of its visitors and customers. It usually also includes a statement regarding the website’s commitment to protecting its visitors’ or customers’ privacy, and an explanation about the different mechanisms the website is implementing in order to protect privacy. Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location. What to include in the Privacy Policy Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors an customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much much more. To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy ”.

FACILITIES First United Methodist Church is known as an historic downtown church and we have many opportunities to serve our members, guests, and community with our lovely facilities. If you have questions about our facilities, please contact our Facilities Director Mike Robertson at 512-863-2370 ext. 237 or email Mike@fumcgt.org . Facility Use Request FUMC Campus Facilities The FUMC Campus offers a welcoming space for worship, fellowship, and community service. While our facilities primarily support our church family and ministries, we occasionally accommodate outside non-profit groups whose missions align with our values, as outlined in our Facilities Use Manual. If your organization meets the criteria and is interested in using our space, please complete a Facility Use Request to begin the process. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the community! Pay Facility Usage Fee Getsemani Center & Annex FUMC Georgetown is also the proud owner of the Getsemani Ministry Center and Annex located at 412 and 414 E 19th Street in Georgetown. This site is a popular ministry and group meeting site. For more information about the Getsemani site, please email g etsemani@fumcgt.org . To inquire about using the space for a specific event, please complete the Facility Use Request. Pay Getsemani Usage Fee Facility Use Manual

Audio-Visual Team Emelia Bruton Audio-Visual Team Emelia is a Georgetown native. She has been attending FUMC Georgetown with her family since 2012. She is the oldest of three children. As a child, she was part of the children’s choir and handbell ensemble and is currently a member of the church orchestra. Before being officially hired, Emelia edited the pre-recorded services posted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She continued to do odd jobs during this period, including the production of the virtual chancel choir and church orchestra performances released on FUMC’s Youtube channel. In August of 2021, she was officially hired and began creating the slide presentations used in every worship service. Every Sunday, she can be spotted in the sanctuary balcony, running the slideshow or manning the cameras for that service’s livestream. Emelia is studying English at Southwestern University and plans to graduate in 2025. She works at the Southwestern Library as a library assistant, and the Debby Ellis Writing Center as a writing consultant. She plays French horn and is a member of both the wind ensemble and the Band of Pirates, Southwestern’s pep band. Additionally, she is a member of the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega and serves on the university’s Honor Code Council. In her free time, Emelia enjoys reading, watching television shows, and thinking very hard about the things she reads and watches. Next Item Previous Item

Who We Are The Learning Tree Preschool is a part-time, Christian preschool located in Georgetown, Texas at First United Methodist Church. We believe all children learn best through play. Our classrooms are filled with experiences in literacy, math, science, imagination, engineering, and social and emotional development. Our Philosophy Staff and parents work together to create a loving, accepting, and nurturing space for families, where children can explore, create, and grow with confidence. At The Learning Tree, we believe that children learn best through active engagement with their environment. In cooperation with parents, we aim to foster a positive self-concept in each child, encourage curiosity, and inspire a love of learning. Since 1975, First United Methodist Church has offered this program with the vision that God is a God of love, allowing children to experience this love through positive relationships and supportive learning experiences. We closely follow the Georgetown Independent School District school year calendar: Download Calendar Frequently Asked Questions When is registration and how can I enroll my child? Enrollment is easy! You can register online through the Brightwheel app, or if you prefer, you can get paper forms from our office. Be sure to have your child’s immunization records and birth certificate handy when enrolling. Registration is held in January for current students for the following year. Priority is given to children who are presently enrolled, members of First United Methodist Church, or siblings of enrolled children. A waiting list will be maintained after classes have been filled, including a list of children currently attending classes who would like to move to a different schedule. What are you hours of operation? We’re open from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. You can drop off your little one between 8:45 and 9:00 AM, and pick-up happens from 2:20 to 2:30 PM. We follow a school calendar that runs from late August to mid-May. Do I need to schedule an appointment to tour your preschool? Yes, we recommend scheduling a tour! It gives us a chance to focus on you and your child, answer any questions you might have, and show you all the wonderful things our school has to offer. What is your safety and security policy? We take safety seriously! All faculty and staff are background-checked have completed Ministry Safe Training. We also have monthly fire drills, and tornado and lockout/intruder drills happen 4X a year meant to acquaint your child with emergency procedures. Do you offer part time care? Yes, we do! You can choose between 2, 3, or 4-day programs depending on your needs, but Pre-k children must attend a minimum of three days. Parents can register for individual programs at the time of registration. What holidays do you close for? We follow a traditional school calendar, so you can expect closures for major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. You’ll get a full calendar at the start of the year so you can plan ahead. What is your teacher-student ratio? We maintain ratios in line with Texas childcare standards, ensuring each child receives the attention and care they need to thrive in a nurturing environment Is your staff trained in CPR/First Aid and Background Checked? Yes! Every staff member is CPR and First Aid certified, and all undergo comprehensive background checks. We want you to feel confident that your child is in capable, caring hands. Are meals included? We ask parents to pack a nutritious and balanced lunch for their child. Not only do children benefit physically, but they can also learn principles of good nutrition. If your child has a special diet or allergy to food, please note this on registration forms. What schools do you pick up from? Unfortunately, we don’t provide transportation services or school pick-ups. Our focus is on early childhood education and care within the center. Do the children play outside everyday? es, we make sure kids get plenty of outdoor playtime! Each class enjoys 45 minutes of outdoor fun daily, weather permitting. When it’s too hot or cold, we have indoor large motor activities to keep them moving. Do you offer a sibling or family discount? Yes! If you have more than one child enrolled, we offer a $25 discount for each additional child. Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to inquire about enrollment. Do you offer a scholarship program or sliding-scale pricing? Yes, tuition assistance is available for families who need it. Inquiries should be made through the Director, and you will be given an application. Applicant names can be kept confidential and will be submitted to the school board for approval. Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis; therefore, applicants will need to reapply at time of pre-registration every year. What is your late pick up policy? Please plan to pick up your child on time. If you know that you will be late, please call the school office as soon as possible. Children who are picked up late will be taken to the office and charged $15 for the first late pick up and $5 per minute per child for every late pick up after that. If a child is left after 3:00 pm and no parent or emergency contacts can be reached, then emergency arrangements will have to be made as our school will be closed. The Learning Tree Administrative Staff will first reach out to emergency contacts. If the emergency contacts are unable to retrieve your child from school, we will contact the local police department. If tardiness persists or any occurrence becomes extreme, your child may be disenrolled from school. How long is your waitlist? What are your waitlist policies? Once our classes are full, we maintain a waitlist. The length of our wait list typically is very long and varies by age; please call center directly. Priority is given to current students, siblings, and members of our affiliated church. If a spot opens up, families are contacted in the order they’re on the list Aged-Based Curriculum The Learning Tree’s curriculum is based on the belief that children learn through play. Developed by experienced teachers, it focuses on hands-on, play-based learning with a balance of structure, free choice, and active/quiet times. Activities promote sensory, motor, perceptual, and language skills, blending child-centered and teacher-directed approaches. Emphasizing the process over the product, it fosters accomplishment and pride, with materials and activities suited to each child’s developmental stage. Infants Our infants' curriculum is all about early growth and discovery! Each month brings new focus areas, like building strong bonds, exploring movement with fun activities, and sparking early literacy skills. It's a warm, engaging start to learning meant to foster a spirit for exploration and curiosity for years to come. Twos Split into two groups, our "Twos" curriculum is packed with fun ways for kids to explore their feelings, learn to collaborate with others, and build physical skills like jumping and cutting. We dive into early literacy and math basics, like shapes and grouping, all through exciting monthly themes and activities that keep learning fun and engaging! Threes Our "Threes" curriculum makes learning fun with monthly focuses on letters, writing, rhymes, and all kinds of literacy fun! Kids dive into math with shapes, numbers, and counting, while exploring big ideas like family, community helpers, and caring for our world. Every month is packed with engaging, joyful learning adventures! Pre-Kinder Our Pre-K curriculum brings learning to life with monthly focuses on early literacy like phonics and rhyming as well as math skills like counting, measuring, and patterns. Kids delve deeper into themes of family, community helpers, and caring for our world—all while creating a joyful, hands-on learning experience as they transition into school. Meet the Director: Sarah Pyle-Shackelford Sarah Pyle Shackelford has been an educator for 24 years and a cherished part of The Learning Tree community since 2010. Over the years, she has taught every age group, served as an administrator and board member, and experienced the school as a parent, giving her a deep and well-rounded understanding of what makes The Learning Tree so special. Born and raised in Georgetown, Sarah brings both hometown pride and a lifelong passion for early childhood education to her leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a Master’s degree in Education from Texas State University. A member of First United Methodist Church since 1998, Sarah is deeply connected to the faith community that has supported and shaped The Learning Tree since its beginning. She has played a vital role in preserving our play-based philosophy, ensuring that children learn through exploration, imagination, and joy. Outside of school, Sarah is married to her husband, Ronan, and together they have three children — twin boys (8) and a daughter (12). She’s a Disney lover, an avid gardener, and a collector of children’s books who finds inspiration in the magic and curiosity of childhood. With her warmth, creativity, and years of experience, Sarah leads The Learning Tree with heart and dedication, continuing to make it a place where children love to learn and families love to belong. We closely follow the Georgetown Independent School District school year calendar: Download Calendar Enrollment We are open Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM, September – May. We serve children ages 6 months (by September 1) through Pre-Kinder. Registration is held in January for current students for the following year. Priority is given to children who are presently enrolled, members of First United Methodist Church, or siblings of enrolled children. A waiting list will be maintained after classes have been filled, including a list of children currently attending classes who would like to move to a different schedule. We would love to visit with you to answer any questions about enrollment. Please contact learningtree@fumcgt.org , with any questions. Tuition Payments Have questions about tuition payment options? We'd love to hear them! Contact The Learning Tree office for tuition payment options. 512-863-6323 or email learningtree@fumcgt.org Waitlist If you'd like to sign up for our Waitlist, please contact learningtree@fumcgt.org We look forward to you joining our Learning Tree Family. Notice of Non-Discriminatory Policy The Learning Tree Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, and other school-administered programs. Our Team At The Learning Tree, our team is united by a deep passion for childcare and early development. Each staff member brings a unique blend of expertise and heartfelt commitment to nurturing young hearts and minds in a loving, faith-centered environment. We believe in fostering not just academic growth, but also spiritual and social development, guiding each child on their individual journey. Together, we create a safe and engaging atmosphere where every child can thrive, explore, and grow in their faith and learning.