 |
st. matthew's united methodist church |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Child Care During Worshp
Worship services are important for children. By worshiping with the congregation each week, children learn about Christian people and their faith. We at St. Matthews work hard to gradually integrate children of all ages into the worship services in age-appropriate ways.
Children's Time:
Children age 3 and older are invited to come forward during Sunday Services for a special message time with the Pastor. Parents of younger children are encouraged to come forward with the children if they feel it is needed. Please use name tags in attendance registers for the children.
W.O.W. Children's Session:
For children age 3 (potty trained) through first grade, a fun time of play and learning follows Children's Time in the Sunday worship service. Following this special time with the pastor, parent volunteers escort these children to Room 109 for story, creative activity and snack. W.O.W. provides child care for the remainder of the service. Parents of first-time visitors should accompany and register their children and then return to service.
Nursery (Infants up through 3 years):
Professional care during all worship services is in Room 113-115 (adjacent to the sanctuary). Our nursery is supervised by two professional care attendants and parent volunteers. There are separate play areas for toddlers and infants.
For the safety and well-being of the children, parents must use our card check-in system, and parents of infants through 3rd grade must remain in the church building and indicate their location in case of emergencies. First-time visitors should fill out information requested on the visitor cards provided. Parents are given a silent (vibrating) beeper in case they are needed in the nursery during service. Children are released to their parents only.
Children placed in the nursery do not have to be picked up between worship and Sunday School services if parents wish to attend one of our many adult Christian Education classes.
Helpful Hints for Parents at Worship
- Encourage bathroom breaks before Service begins. For safety reasons, children should be accompanied by a parent.
- Obtain the special activity bulletin to color (or pencil) in during the Service.
- Sit near the front where the child can have a clear view of the pulpit and all activities (handbells, choir, etc.).
- Allow them to put coin in the offering plate.
- Prepare the child for different parts of the Worship Service, explaining events ahead of time and answering questions that need an answer right now in a quiet whisper.
- Bring a children's Bible on their reading level for Scripture listed in bulletin.
- Bring along a favorite stuffed animal or pick up a book in the Narthex. Books may be left in the pew afterwards.
- Compliment the children on their good behavior.
- Free yourself from worry about children's behavior and be open to receiving their ministry to you. They cannot experience the special atmosphere of worship anywhere else, and it is an essential part of their growth in Christ.
|
|
schedule
CrossRoads Worship Service
Saturdays at 5 PM
Sunday Worship Services
8:30 and 11:15 AM
Sunday School
9:50 AM
|
|
|
|
Senior Pastor