By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — Calling all parents: The Columbiana United Methodist Church is offering a mid-week opportunity for fun, learning and a hot meal for your youngsters.

Kimco — Kids in Mission Christian Organization — begins for the fall semester on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

“Anyone ages 2 through fifth grade is welcome,” said Catherine Prince, who is in her third year as Kimco director. “We are working hard to reach out to all youngsters in the community,” not just those who attend the Methodist church.

Kimco meets each Wednesday evening at the Columbiana United Methodist Church, 200 N. Main St., from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Children learn songs, a Bible verse each week, participate in games and activities and enjoy a hot meal. The menu on Sept. 8 will be hamburgers and hot dogs.

On any given Wednesday, 30 to 50 children participate in Kimco.

“We are hoping to grow Kimco this year by reaching out to families who don’t have a church home,” Prince said.

Children are well supervised. They begin each Wednesday evening together with singing and fellowship, then break up into different age groups for a lesson, activities, games and food.

In addition, Kimco participants work together on a project that benefits the community.

“This semester, kids are going to be collecting school supplies for Safe House,” Prince said.

Kimco’s focus includes a new curriculum: Faith Weaver Friends.

“Our main focus will be helping the kids grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with God and weave faith into their everyday lives,” Prince said.

For more information, contact Prince at mceprince@gmail.com or call the church at 669-7164.