Children Ministries
“As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you…”
Isaiah 66:13
Sunday School
9:45-10:45 September – May, age 3+
Children’s Ministries are a vital part of our community life here at Deer Park UMC. We are committed to teaching children the importance of God in their lives and in helping them grow into becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. We hope that every child will know they are loved and valued by God, the church, their community, their families and their peers. We want to build a strong faith foundation for children, bringing them to a better understanding of God and what God calls them to be and do.
FAQ – What do kids typically do in Sunday School? –
Answer – The children’s class starts in the sanctuary together for music and activities and then moves to the classroom for more learning. Our goal is to engage all ages with songs, crafts, stories, and more! Youth group will meet in the classrooms for an hour of interesting discussions, questions, and learning. There are opportunities for youth to help lead the younger kids on select days. Learning by leading is a great way for the kids to gain confidence leading, public speaking, and communicating clearly.
We will be using larger spaces in the church when available: the sanctuary for songs, the social hall for crafts/experiments, and the outside pavilion (whether and lesson permitting, so always dress to be outside!). We typically follow Cokesbury Lessons.
Children’s Sunday School – Age 3 to 5th grade, meet in the sanctuary, end in the classroom
Youth Group – 6th Grade -12th Grade, meet in the classroom
Sanctuary Observation Room, Nursery (with private bathroom), Sanctuary Observation Room, Sanctuary
Kids at Church
Jesus loves the little children
First, please relax and enjoy your time here. We know that children tend to wiggle and squawk a bit, so please don’t feel embarrassed by it. Your children are welcome here at DPUMC. Each service there is a children’s message where the kids are asked to come up and sit with the Pastor to hear a message just for them.
Sanctuary Observation Room
This room, which looks directly into the sanctuary, is equipped with soft lighting and rockers for use by families who feel that their child has become too restless during the service to remain in the sanctuary. Speakers ensure you will not miss any of the service. Please don’t hesitate to ask an usher for assistance.
We also have a nursery where you can hear but not see the service further off the sanctuary. Both rooms are equipped with toys and books.
Nursery care -The nursery is available during worship services for children ages 5 and under. Nursery care is also available during the Sunday school hour for children under age 3 whose families are attending adult Sunday school.
Special Events and Services for Kids
whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven – Matther 18:4
Baptism – It is always such a joyous occasion to witness uniting in Christ
Presentation of Bibles – After completion of 3rd grade children are presented with interactive youth study Bibles to continue their journey with God at home.
Blessing of the Backpacks – Each year the Pastor and congregation bless both educator and student school bags to set them off on a great school year!
The children and youth also participate throughout the year in a Christmas program, Easter program, and maybe one or two other services where they may sing or be part of a play.
Baptism, Blessings of the Backpacks, Bible Presentation, Christmas Play
2023 VBS: Hero Hotline
June 19 – 23 | 6pm – 8:15pm (in-person!)
In the depths of a colorful underground cave, is the beating heart of the hero community, the Hero Hotline Headquarters where everyone’s gifts are valued, and every hero has a role to play. Each day at the Hero Hotline Headquarters, superheroes of all ages and abilities answer the call and join the Professor and veteran hero, Super Meer the Meerkat, to provide expert assistance and solutions to Hero Teams everywhere.
Vacation Bible School
exploring God’s word through song, story, mission, craft, and science
Ages 3 through and including those entering 6th grade. From 5:15 to 5:45 PM we typically also have a free light supper in the social hall before VBS starts at 6pm. Parents must be present until 6pm.
Volunteer’s are welcome and we offer Student Service Hours.
Each year we explore new stories with new themes.