|
Jesus said:
“Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”- Matthew 19:14
We are so glad to have you visit the children’s section of Laurel’s web site. Our programs cover a wide range of areas for each age and grade level. We encourage you and your children to come and get involved and see what we have to offer:
Nursery Ministries
Children's Sunday School
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Opportunities For Children
Prime Time Family
Our mission is to partner with families in building relationships and reaching children the best way possible so they will know, grow and go in Jesus Christ. Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any questions.
JoAnn Overholt
Children and Youth Director
217-525-1866
joverholt@laurelumchurch.org
Nursery Ministries
It all begins when they are babies! Our nursery goal is for children to be comforted and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.
The Nursery (Room 202)
Our nursery is staffed each Sunday from 8:20-11:45 a.m. with carefully screened, professional child care providers.
Cradle Care
Laurel United Methodist rejoices over each birth into the church family. Each child is welcomed with a special gift from the Laurel family and a yellow rosebud is placed on the altar.
Information on baptism is available and Rev. John Hamilton is delighted to visit with families as they consider this sacrament. Your baby is important to us!
Children in Worship
Children are highly valued at Laurel and they are always welcome to worship with their parents in the sanctuary.
Children’s packets are available in a basket as you enter the sanctuary. These packets include coloring pages, crayons and other quiet activities to occupy children’s hands as they listen.
The Aquarium, located on the third floor, is another option. The room overlooks the sanctuary and you are able to see and hear the service while your child takes advantage of the activities provided.
Safety
Children’s safety is a priority for us. A sign in sheet is required for parents who have children participating in the Nursery and two-year-old rooms.
Parents of our Nursery and 2-year-old children are also asked to take a pager with them. The sign in sheet includes the number of the pager which is given each parent. This system provides parents added comfort and peace of mind knowing they can be immediately notified if they are needed.
No unauthorized person may remove a child from the nursery. If you would like to know more about our Safe Sanctuary practices, click here.
Children’s Sunday School
God’s word for God’s Children - Come build your Faith
“We are partners working together for God”
1 Corinthians 3:9
At Laurel you will find a group just your size! Our Children’s Sunday School program serves youngsters from 2 yr. olds to 5th grade and meets every Sunday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Our goal is to help children grow in faith and learn about God as they dig into the Bible. Sunday School classes teach Bible truths and help children find ways to apply those truths in their own lives.
Laurel’s curriculum is designed so that every 4 years children have completed an overview of the Old and New Testaments.
Please feel free to ask for a classroom directory, as well as directions to any room you would like to visit.
Class and Room assignments:
Room 202 - Nursery/Toddlers
Room 204 - 2 year olds
Room 203 - 3 and 4 year olds
Room 300 - Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Room 301 - 1st and 2nd grade
Room 302 - 3rd, 4th and 5th grade
Little Angel Band
This is active praise for our pre-school, Pre-K and Kindergarten children and is incorporated into our Sunday School time.
God’s “Son” Shine of Praise
1st and 2nd graders doing exactly what kids love to do: “Make a joyful noise”! This music and praise is incorporated into our Sunday School time.
Answers for first time Sunday School visitors:
When do I need to arrive on Sunday?
Sunday School is from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. You will want to arrive earlier to find parking options and to have plenty of time to find classrooms.
Where do I need to go?
Greeters are stationed at each entrance. They will be able to assist you with Children’s Sunday School information and give needed directions.
What will my child do on Sunday?
Our Sunday School classes feature interactive Bible lessons designed to share the love of God with children of all ages. They will enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games and music.
Are children welcome in worship at Laurel UMC?
Absolutely! Children are highly valued at Laurel and they are always welcome to worship with their parents in the sanctuary. We offer children’s packets during all of our services. You’ll find them in a basket as you enter the sanctuary. These packets include coloring pages, crayons and other quiet activities to occupy children’s hands as they listen.
You may also take advantage of the Aquarium located on the third floor of our building. The room overlooks the sanctuary so that you will be able to see and hear the service while your child takes advantage of the
activities provided.
Other opportunities for children:
Acolyte Program
Children (grades 2-6) are invited to serve in worship through the Acolyte program. They primarily serve as “bearers of the Light”. Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is with us. When acolytes bring the light (fire) into the sanctuary, they are reminding people that God is with us in our worship. When the candles are extinguished and the acolyte walks out of the sanctuary with the light, they are reminding us that when we scatter into the world, God is with us.
Third Grade Bibles
Bibles are presented to 3rd graders each Fall to aid in their Christian education. The groups Sunday School class will emphasize Bible skills and children are encouraged to bring and use their Bible each Sunday.
Mini Camp Vacation Bible School (VBS)
A theme-based VBS mini camp is offered each summer for children 3 years old through 2nd grade.
Summer Night Light Lock-in
A theme-based Bible learning experience with a mission. This lock-in is for Children 2nd – 5th graders and their friends.
Winter Bible Blast Lock in
This lock-in concentrates on learning Bible Skills and is for 3rd –5th graders and their friends. Watch for the date!
Secret Pals
Secret Pals are intergenerational pairs composed of one young person in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade and one adult. The object of the program is for the child to guess the identity of his/her Secret Pal. This is a fun way to connect 3rd – 5th graders with adults in our Laurel Family!
Summer Book Clubs
Each year, Laurel offers a summer book club for children of all ages!
Pop the Tab!
The Laurel Sunday School children and youth ask you to join them in collecting pop tabs. This recycling effort will continue through out the year and the tabs will be donated to Ronald McDonald House.
A “Collection House” is located in each Sunday School room and a large collection jug is located on the lower level next to the soda machines.
Sound Quake
This is a music opportunity for 2nd – 5th graders that meets on Wednesdays from 5:40 – 6:25 p.m.. It’s more than a choir, it’s an experience with a beat! This group is led by JoAnn Overholt and Debbie Watts
Chime Time
Would your 2nd – 5th grader love to learn how to play handchimes? Come have fun as you experience this unique instrument. The group meets on Wednesdays from 5:10 – 5:40 p.m. The group is led by Jennifer Jones.
Prime Time Family Time
Family Fun (Hand in Hand and Side by Side)
Hand in Hand and Side by Side is designed for young families with a goal of providing an opportunity to share God’s love, develop nurturing relationships, and to enjoy time together.
Church Mice
This group of children from newborn – age four meets on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor.
Church Mice is a parent-child music and movement class. Church Mice emphasizes participation rather than performance. This group is led by Rachel Rambach.
The Library
There are great books in our library for all ages, including some fabulous children’s books. The selections range from picture books for the young child through chapter books appropriate for older readers.
Story Bags
Story Bags are fun-filled reading theme bags that make faith development a natural part of everyday life, while promoting literacy and reinforcing the Church-home connection.
Each bag contains a variety of read aloud stories, art activities, snack ideas, songs, finger plays and more. Snuggle together reading time gives child and parent time to relax, read a good book together and just talk.
Rollin’ Stroll
This summer activity is designed for parents and children to do together. Roll your stroller for fellowship, fitness and fun. There’s no age limit and you can join at any time.
Simply come, warm up and go for a stroll with us. If you are pushing more than one stroller, let us know and we’ll arrange for an extra person to help you out!
Scribbles in the Sand
In conjunction with the Sisters Bible Study, we offer activities, music, crafts and a snack for your children, including infant care.
Seasonal Family Activities
Fall wiener roast and hayride
Breakfast with Santa
Kumler Gift Wrap
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday Specials for Mission and Fun - watch for themes and dates
|
