Children’s Ministry

Children of all ages are an active, vital and important part of our church community at Providence United Methodist Church! We are committed to helping our children grow in faith development, worship involvement, missions, intergenerational opportunities, and fellowship.

The relationships they are building now are seeds that are being planted for their journey to become loving disciples of Christ, living our their faith in the church and the world by glorifying God and serving others. It is our hope that being involved in our Children and Family Ministries will set the foundation of a lifetime of focusing on loving God, loving our neighbors and loving ourselves.

Throughout the year, our goal is to equip our children and families with tools to help them bridge the seasons and celebrations of the church year into their everyday family life and celebrations.

If you have any questions concerning our ministry area or ways you could get involved, please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!

 

What to Expect on Sunday Mornings:

 

Childcare / Nursery

A professionally staffed nursery for infants through preschool is offered each Sunday. Our nursery offers a safe, loving environment and is open from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm. Sean Rice is our Nursery Coordinator.

 
 

Sunday School

Sunday School is a time to gather and learn how God works in their lives. Young children learn that church is a place where they are welcomed and loved.

As children grow, they learn the lessons that God teaches us through the Bible and through his son Jesus Christ. We share songs, creative learning exercises, Bible stories, crafts and so much more to grow your child’s understanding of God’s love for us all.

At this time, we are offering two classes from 10:00 – 10:45. Ages 4 year olds through 1st grade meet in Room 230 and ages 2nd grade – 5th grade meet in Room 233.

 
 

Missional Opportunities

Throughout the year, there are many ways our children can participate in PUMC outreach programs.

  • We frequently make cards for our homebound members, friends, and neighbors who could use a “pick me up.”

  • “Undie Sunday” is an opportunity to bring in new (still in the package) socks and underwear for our sister local school – (Oakhurst Steam Academy) and local shelters as they start the new school year.

  • Our children pack all the lunches for our weekly guests at Room in the Inn.

  • For our offering during VBS, we collect school supplies for local elementary schools.

  • We hold various events throughout the year to gather seasonal needs for local nonprofits and nonperishable food items for our surrounding area.

Worship

All of our children are encouraged to participate in worship. It is important to praise God, pray, sing, and hear the Word with God’s children of all ages. During the year, there are opportunities for children to help lead worship by reading Scripture, leading in prayer and participating in various skits and readings.

As a way to understand and participate in the different parts of the worship service, we hold Children’s Church in the Chapel on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 11:00. We explore the Bible stories, colors and symbols that follow the liturgical year.

Some special worship events:

  • Palm Sunday – Families and children of all ages are part of our Palm Sunday to begin the Palm/Passion Sunday Worship Services.

  • Easter Butterflies Event – Butterflies are a wonderful symbol of Easter! Children have the experience of watching butterflies hatching from larvae and then they bring them on Easter (weather permitting) for a Butterfly Release. We also celebrate with bubbles of all kinds!

  • Children’s Nativity – Each year, the children bring the story of the birth of Jesus to the congregation different ways. Every child has an opportunity to be a part of this gift to the church. Click HERE to watch a past Children’s Nativity.

  • Blessing of the Backpacks – children of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to any of the worship services for a special blessing.

  • Third Grade Bible Presentation – Each year, we present our 3rd graders with a Bible.

Children’s Music

  • Children’s Music – 1st – 5th graders will sing during one of the worship services each month. They practice on Wednesdays from 5:45 – 6:25.

  • Genesis Ringers – members of the Children’s Choir are eligible to ring in the Genesis Ringers handbell choir. They meet on Wednesdays from 4:45 – 5:25.

Intergenerational Events

  • Church-wide Lenten & Advent events and curriculum designed for all ages

  • Lots of Love Luncheon - Our children host a luncheon for our senior adult friends that ends with an ice cream bar and bingo.

Special Programs

  • Vacation Bible School – We explore God’s plan for us through Scripture, drama, crafts, cooking, music and other fun sessions!

  • Petting Zoo - During the Sunday school hour, we have a fun petting zoo with llamas, bunnies, piglets, goats, sheep, and a mini cow.

  • Fall Festival - Buy a pumpkin, ride a train, play in the bounce house, enjoy hot dogs, and trick-or-treat at this fun event!

More on Children at PUMC?

Fill out the form below or contact the Rev. Rhonda Hermann, Minister to Children, by EMAIL.