Children's Ministry

Children In Worship – Sunday Morning at 9:30 AM

The story of Jesus and the Children appears in three of the gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). The first part of the story is about an argument the disciples were having. (Mark 9:33-37) They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

A second story tells of the disciples trying to chase away families who had brought their children to be blessed, (Mark 10: 13-16) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Children are an important part of the MUMC family, and we welcome them in worship for these reasons:

Children bring the unique gifts of wonder, excitement and creativity that make worship more interesting for all
Children teach us about God. Reverence, adoration, respect, love, awe and praise come naturally to children.
Children have unspoiled trust – and adults can share their acceptance, wisdom, and experience.
When a child is baptized, all the adults in the congregation promise to be active in nurturing the child’s faith. We nurture them, and they nurture us.
Worship is a communal experience – to be celebrated by all. Children need to belong to our church community, and are welcome to be an active part of our worship experiences.

(Some excerpts above are from “The Ministry of Children”, Seasons of the Spirit, Woodlake Publishing)

We believe that children are an essential part of “Making God’s Love Real” through participation in our worship on Sunday mornings, so we do not have concurrent children’s programming.

Spiritual Formation – Sunday Morning at 10:45 AM

Spiritual development opportunities for children and youth are offered each Sunday morning. These classes begin at 10:45, after the time of fellowship that follows worship. Our classes follow the same liturgical pattern that our worship uses, so all learners experience similar text. Elements of art, music, nature exploration, storytelling and drama are woven into many lessons.

Nursery Care

We provide a warm and friendly place for parents to safely leave their infants and toddlers in the care of our “MUMC grandma” Virginia Steffen while they attend worship or adult education classes. Babies will experience consistent care in a safe environment as they learn about Christ through loving care. Our nursery is located near the sanctuary - upstairs just past the church offices.

Vacation Bible School

VBS is a week-long active Christian learning experience for church and community preschool and elementary-aged children, taking place in a camp-like setting that includes our youth in leadership roles. Adults are also part of the fun, leading activity stations throughout the week, and nursery care is provided for our volunteer staff. Our VBS culminates in a closing program and church-wide meal.

Summer 2008: Power Lab - Discovering Jesus ’”Miraculous Power”. Our tentative dates are July 7-11 from 9am - Noon. Closing program and church-wide meal held this year on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 5:00 PM.

Vacation Bible School 2008
July 7-11, 9:00 AM – Noon
Registration starts March 2008

To register online go to https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/mequonumc

Wiggle Room and Wiggle Bags

Are you the parent of an infant, toddler, or an active young child? When your little one comes with you to worship are you distracted when he or she gets wiggly? Do you worry that your child is distracting others? Sound familiar? Then check out the MUMC Wiggle Room.

The Wiggle Room is the area at the top of the stairs at the east end of the narthex especially designed for kids and parents alike. The Wiggle Room not only comes complete with a rocking chair and couch and books and toys for kids, but you’ll also be able to see and hear the worship service.

Have a wiggly little one? Come try The Wiggle Room.

Wiggle Bags, filled with quiet toys to help redirect some of your child’s energy during worship, are also available in the Children’s Corner at the back of the sanctuary.

Christmas Program

This annual opportunity for children to learn about and celebrate Christ’s birth through scripture, drama, movement and music takes place each December following a worship service. Rehearsals begin in October, with a dress rehearsal on Sinterklaas Saturday (see Fellowship page).

The Eagle’s Nest

Our church is blessed with enthusiastic young ones who can sometimes need a place to unwind during activities in Fellowship Hall. The Eagle’s Nest is a classroom play space located adjacent to Fellowship Hall, where children can safely play while their parents participate in other activities nearby. This facility is also used as a safe haven for children who may struggle in our regular classes due to special needs or circumstances, which accounts for the name “Eagle’s Nest” -- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Kids’ Corps

Young people of all ages are invited to join us as we serve the church as acolytes, ushers, communion assistants and other worship helpers. We also serve God’s creation by maintaining and filling bird feeders and birdhouses throughout the church grounds. New this year is the Kids’ Corps Fair Trade Shop – featuring coffee, tea, cocoa and other products produced by independent farmers throughout the world. The UMCOR Equal Exchange shop is open each Sunday morning, and is operated by Kids’ Corps volunteers.