Wilmington Island United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Invite, Incorporate, Nurture, Serve

Children's Ministry

 

Our task in Children’s Ministries is to help children know God
and to become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
 
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
 

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP

 

We welcome children into our church family as wondrous gifts of God. Children are invited to participate in all aspects of worship and are educated in their role in the church, as part of the body of Christ.

 

CHILDREN AT THE LORD'S TABLE

 

In The United Methodist Church, children are welcome to receive communion; it is up to parents to decide at what age their child should begin receiving communion. The Lord's table in the Methodist Church is open and freely offered to all. With this opportunity comes the responsibility to parents to help our children realize the worshipful experience the Lord’s Supper offers.  We suggest that young children can understand Communion as a special time to remember Jesus.

 

KINDERCHURCH and CHILDREN'S CHURCH

 
All children are invited and encouraged to participate in the Worship Service with their families.  For those children who are a bit restless,  we offer an alternative worship experience.  Children ages 3 through 2nd grade are asked to remain in the sanctuary with their families until the “Children’s Moments".  After this time the children are invited to leave the sanctuary and meet with other children for the remainder of the hour.  The children will continue their worship experience by learning more about God and Jesus by hearing Bible stories, playing games, making crafts, and participating in prayer.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL
 

Sunday School is from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Our church takes seriously the vows expessed at infant baptism. We promise to support parents and guide children to grow in faith under the teaching and support of the Christian community. In keeping with our goal of providing for Christian growth through a caring and nurturing community, we invite and encourage all children to become regular members of a Sunday School class.

Our Sunday School classes are focused on teaching the Bible to our children in an age appropriate manner.  As children learn about the people of the Bible and how God led and protected them, they also learn how God leads and protects them.  As they learn about the prophecies of the Old Testament and see the fulfillment in Jesus Christ, they learn God keeps His promises. The Bible is the best source for learning about our triune God.

We are blessed to have dedicated, loving Sunday School teachers working with our children!

 We offer the following Sunday School classes:
  • Nursery through Age Two
  • Three to Five Years
  • 1st  and 2nd Grade
  • 3rd and 4th Grades
  • 5th and 6th Grades
Youth in grades 7 through 12 are invited to participate in our Youth Sunday School Class and Youth Program.
 
 
 ACOLYTES
 

Children in 3rd grade and up are invited to serve as Acolytes in our 8:30am and 11:00am Worship services. 

The acolyte has an important role in leading the congregation in the worship of God. Acolytes assist in worship by lighting and extinguishing the alter candles, assist with the offering, and may be asked by the Pastor to perform other duties during the service. This is a ministry role that your child should take seriously and be proud to perform. We need acolytes for the 8:30 and 11:00 services, and for special services, such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday.

Acolyte Ministry Hand Out

8:30 Acolyte Coordinator:                   Catherine Barker           912  897-9766

11:00 Acolyte Coordinator:                  Beth Parsons                912  897-6359

 
BIBLE STUDY
 
Children 3 years (by September 1) through the 4th Grade are invited to meet Sunday afternoons at 4pm for our Kids' Bible Study. 
 
At Bible study this year, kids will learn about the Bible from a new perspective—from that of the people who lived it!  We’ll learn experientially about the cultures of the people in the Bible.  We make and taste some of the foods they ate “back then,” and explore some of the daily activities of the great Bible characters.  We’ll see that they incorporated God and faith into their daily lives, and we can, too!
 
5th and 6th Graders are invited to join our M&M's --Mini Ministers-- group, which also meets at 4:00 on Sundays.

 

  4:00 - 5:00 5:00-5:30pm  
4 years to 4th grade Kids' Bible Study Kids' Music
         
5th and 6th grades M&M's Bible Study  Kids' Music  

 

 

SAFE SANCTUARIES

 

In April 1996, The General Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child abuse within the church. Our mission here at Wilmington Island United Methodist Church is to provide a safe, caring environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults and those involved in ministering to such persons in all phases of the church’s life. We express an unwavering commitment to the physical safety and spiritual growth of all who enter our church. Therefore, we follow reasonable measures in the selection and recruitment of workers and we implement prudent operational procedures in all programs and events within the church. 

 

Please fill out all three forms and return to the church office.

Safe Sanctuary Form – Volunteer Screening Form

Safe Sanctuary Form – Authorization and Request for Criminal Records Check

Safe Sanctuary Form – Participation Covenant for All Workers with Children and Youth

 
 Children’s Ministry Director Cara Robinson,  912  897-2835 ext. 19, cara@islandmethodist.com

Sunday Afternoon Schedule

 
 
3 years to 4th grade:
 
4:00 to 5:00  Kids' Bible Study
5:00 to 5:30  Kids' Music Time
 
 
 
5th and 6th grades:
 
4:00 to 5:00     M&M's Bible Study
5:00 to 5:30     Music Time