Children Ministries

Purpose Statement:

To help build a faith foundation for the children of Kingswood United Methodist Church

Sunday School
Children are encouraged to grow in Christian faith through Bible study, instruction on ways to apply their growing faith to daily living, and about what it means to have a relationship with God

As the season of Lent approaches, the Lenten containers are sent home with the children to collect money between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The money collected from these containers will go to help support a designated missionary or missionaries each year.

In October every child in Sunday School will receive an orange UNICEF boxes to take “trick-or-treating” on Halloween. UNICEF works in more than 160 countries and territories to help meet children’s basic needs in health, nutrition, education and environment.

Children participate in the Guidelines Program as preparation for Confirmation studies which begin in 7^th grade.

Children work with their parents at home and with Sunday School teachers to learn Bible verses and the concepts behind such things as the Ten Commandments and other “bigger ideas” found in the Bible.

Guidelines are said the fourth Sunday of each month during the Sunday School year (September through May).

Children in grades 3-5 are eligible to be acolytes during worship services. Acolytes are expected to arrive 15 minutes before worship and wear acolyte robes. Training is held in the fall and includes what it means to be an acolyte, the parts of the worship service, and procedures.

Registration Forms are available from our Web Site, any Sunday School teacher or the Minister of Children and Family Life. A form for each child must be completed in order to attend Sunday School or other programs. A new form is required each fall. Allergy information is especially important. Forms can be returned to the church via email or given to Sunday School teachers or to the Minister of Children and Family Life.

The Children’s Ministries programs are supported by approximately 125 volunteers during the fall-spring term and another 50 during the summer

If you are interested in becoming involved in Children’s Ministries, contact Barb Symonds, Minister of Children and Family Life at the church (398-0770, ext. 16) during the week. There are many opportunities requiring varying time commitments. Volunteers must be CVPP (Child and Volunteer Protection Plan) approved.

Important Information for After-School Programs and Events Where Parents Leave the Building

Parents should bring children into the church, sign in the child and list a phone number where the parent can be contacted. Parents also need to come into the building to sign out their children. Children brought or picked up by anyone other than the parent must have a release signed by the parent. Two approved leaders are required to stay with children during pick up, even to the last child so please return on time.

Parents Day Out
One day a week program for 2/3 year olds. Class time is from 9:30am-1:30pm. Sign up for Fall 2009-2010- registration is underway.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns that you would like to discuss, contact Barb Symonds, Minister of Children and Family Life, at the church during the week (398-0770, ext. 16).