Welcome and Introduction to Children’s Ministry

Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s goal is that every child and family feels loved and valued as a member of God’s family. Our approach to children’s ministry is exciting, full of love, and educational. We strive to teach the Christian faith, model love and acts of service, and support children and their families as they journey to become loving disciples of Christ. We offer activities for children on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. We would love to have your family join us.

Sundays

Sunday School is the primary hub for learning in our Children’s Ministry. We use an age-appropriate faith-forming curriculum during Sunday school which is designed to help children experience the love of God and to grow in their faith. Each week there is a chance for children aged three through fifth grade to spend some time learning about God while having lots of fun. We invite you to come and be a part of this life-changing experience.

Sunday School

Children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to meet Mr. David at the Epworth Building on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM.
Students can be dropped off at 9:00 AM and picked up by 9:40 AM in their appropriate class each week. Our teachers want to ensure your child has the best experience possible while at Aldersgate UMC. If you require different accommodations just let one of them know.

Nursery

The nursery is designed and equipped to minister to children from birth to three years of age. It is our desire at Aldersgate UMC to establish an atmosphere of love and laughter for young children so they may experience the love of Christ from the staff caring for them.
Our Nursery is located in room 515 – This is the last room on the left as you are exiting through the back of the sanctuary. Our Nursery is open every Sunday 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM.

Children’s Church – TBA

Children’s Church is offered during our 10:00 service, children will depart after the children’s sermon. Children’s Church is located in room 515 – This is the second to last room on the left as you are exiting through the back of the sanctuary. We have a wonderful time of music, Bible stories, snacks, and fellowship for preschool children from age 3 until beginning Kindergarten.

Worship

We would love to have your family join us for Worship on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. We believe children should be invited to and involved in worship. We have several opportunities for your child to participate in worship through singing in the children’s choir, reading prayers, being the acolyte, and more. We also offer children’s worship packets and a children’s bulletin for each service. Your family can find these supplies right before entering the sanctuary on the right.

Serving in Worship

If your child would like the opportunity to participate in worship serving as an acolyte, being a lay reader, greeter, or another way let us know by contacting David Mitchell, Director of Children’s Ministry @ [email protected]    Before your child can begin serving, we want to ensure they are confident in the requirements and expectations. We will gladly set up a time with you to answer any questions you may have, walk through the process, and offer a short training opportunity to ensure your child is prepared to serve during worship.

Other Ministry Opportunities

Summer Camp at Camp Tekoa or Tekoa Foothills – this is a weeklong opportunity for your child to spend a week at a United Methodist Camp. Click here for more information about Camp Tekoa https://www.camptekoa.org/

Summer Mission & Fun Days – Scheduled for Wednesdays throughout July 2022 and August 2022! All children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend a day of fun with a focus on missions. More information and a schedule will be shared in AUMC’s newsletter, weekly email, and social media outlets.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2022 – VBS is scheduled for Sunday, June 19, 2022, through Thursday, June 23, 2022.  Vacation Bible School is a five-day faith-based experience full of games, crafts, science experiments, Bible stories, and fun. All children ages 3 through rising 5th grade are invited to attend.  Registration will start May 1, 2022*

Expectations for Parents

For all events, children can be dropped off 10 minutes prior to an event unless other arrangements are made. Upon arrival be sure to sign in before leaving your child. All children are expected to be picked up at the end time for each event unless, again, other arrangements have been made.

We also encourage families to attend worship together. We practice an open table during Holy Communion and serve bread and grape juice. We believe that children of all ages are welcome to participate in the Lord’s table.

We have a Children’s Sermon during the Sunday morning worship service at 10:00 AM. It is a 2-3-minute story about the scripture of the day. Any child in the sanctuary is invited to come down and join in this special time.

Children of any age are welcome to stay in worship for the whole service. We do encourage you to keep your child with you once they start kindergarten. We believe the best way for a child to learn to worship is by watching you and experiencing worship for themselves.

As United Methodists, we do baptize infants and children. If you would like more information about Baptism you can contact our Senior Pastor [email protected]

Every August we celebrate Promotion Sunday while presenting all rising 3rd graders with a special Bible and offering a blessing for students and their backpacks. We believe that children should have their own Bible to study God’s word is very important. If you wish to add your child to the list, feel free to contact us.

How to Volunteer with Children’s Ministry

We cannot have a wonderful children’s ministry without wonderful volunteers. It takes a village even in ministry. At Aldersgate, we have several opportunities for you to get involved and serve as a ministry partner. We have Sunday school teachers, children’s choir teachers, paid nursery staff, Vacation Bible School helpers, Wednesday summer fun day volunteers, and much more. We love volunteers at Aldersgate UMC. If you are interested in volunteering with the children’s ministry let us know and we will be happy to set up a time to meet with you. This meeting will include a brief interview, training, and a background check before you can volunteer.

David Mitchell
Director of Children’s Ministry
Email