Memorial Methodist Church
Sunday, October 13, 2024
God's Love Grows Here!

Children

 
 
Children’s Church
During the worship service on Sunday mornings, children ages K-6 are invited to leave the Sanctuary for Children’s Church.  Parents of fidgety children appreciate the opportunity to worship peacefully while the kids are engaging in their own learning environment.
 
 
Daycare
Our church serves the community by sponsoring a wonderful, full-time daycare program that operates year-round. Our daycare ministry serves 100 children and their families, and includes an after-school and summer program for older children.  The daycare employs 30 full and part-time workers.  Contact    434-352-0108 or mdc@jetbroadband.com.
 
Daycare History:  On October 5, 1988, the Administrative Board of MUMC approved the proposed Day Care Program, which opened for business in 1989.  It all started with Charlene Lawson, a young mother who was Chairperson of Children’s Ministries.  She had been keeping some children in her home, but was being overwhelmed with requests and saw a real need for an organized day care facility.  After much research, planning, and fundraising, the Methodist Day Care opened on January 2, 1989, with 20 children enrolled, and Debbie Rush as director.  Within 2 years, we had 106 children including infants; 2-5-year olds; and school children before and after school.  We still operate at or near full capacity and employ approximately 30 people.  Methodist Day Care provides young children with a wonderful start before entering the school system and also offers great job opportunities for teenagers who help out before and after school.  Nancy Letterman is the current director.
 

VBS
Every summer, we all eagerly anticipate the great event that is Vacation Bible School!!  VBS is usually scheduled for one week in June and runs Monday through Friday, 9 am until noon.  The day care children and staff join with the children from the Church and community for an amazing adventure in Bible study and discipleship.  Children participate in small groups to learn great music, Bible verses/lessons, games, crafts, and snacks. Adult volunteers make this a special week for all the children. 
 

Acolyte
Children age 9 and older can participate in worship services by being an acolyte.  An acolyte is an attendant who wears a special robe and necklace and one who lights and extinguishes the altar candles. The lighting of the altar candles in the worship service symbolizes bringing the Light of Christ into the worship service.  Before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolyte relights his/her candle lighter and then processes out into the narthex, symbolizing taking the Light of Christ out into the world. Interested children are trained and supervised in the proper handling of this special responsibility.
 

Sunday School
Every Sunday morning, our children are engaged in the study of the Bible through Sunday school classes.  Charlene teaches our youngest, from nursery through 1st grade.  Rodney and LeeAnn teach the 2nd-4th grade class.  Rena and Susie teach the 5th and 6th graders.  We also have junior high and senior high classes.  The teachers use various curricula and activities to engage the children in learning how to become  disciples of Jesus Christ.
 

Confirmation
“Confirmation” classes are offered annually for children, typically 12 years old and in the 6th grade, who are ready to learn more about the Methodist Church, both locally and globally.  The children participate in a series of classes to explore Methodism and discipleship, generally lead by the pastor.  Once completed, they have the choice to join in full membership of the church.
 

Miscellaneous
There are many opportunities to involve the children in fellowship, mission work, and spiritual growth.  Some annual activities include an Easter egg hunt, Fall festival, Lent and Advent activities, Christmas play, food collections, “lock-ins,” etc.
 
Nursery
A nursery is available for young children, 0-3 years, during the Sunday school hour and  worship service (and for special services as needed).  Families are also welcomed to have their babies with them in the Sanctuary.  We have rocking chairs at the rear of the Sanctuary and a restroom with changing table off of the narthex (lobby) for their use and convenience.  Adult volunteers from the church family take turns serving in the nursery.