Children's Ministries
Children's Ministry at North is a place of community that begins from the age of childcare into Pre-School and through the Elementary grades. Please choose any area of programming to learn more about the variety of programs available to your family and kids!
- Sunday Morning - Childcare, Pre-School, Elementary
- Musical Offerings
- Special Events
- Mission Opportunities
- Worship Opportunities
- Opportunities to serve in Children's Ministries
- Of Special Interest to Parents
Nursery and Child care
We place a high value on the spiritual, emotional and physical safety of each child NUMC. Childcare is staffed by professional childcare providers who have been screened and trained to provide care for our children. We use the kiddie keeper two-part system. When parents sign their child in for childcare they receive a two-part tag. One part stays with the child, one part goes with the parent. Children are not released to anyone other than the person with the matching tag.
LaTasha Mobley serves as our Childcare Supervisor. She is on hand each Sunday morning to greet families and children. If you have questions or concerns about child care, feel free to contact LaTasha (lmobley@northchurchindy.com).
Sunday Morning Child care
Nursery
(Room 105, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Nursery care is available for infants from birth until they are confidently walking. In this room children can nap in cribs, play with age appropriate toys, swing, or bounce. Our caregivers provide tender attention to our youngest children in a safe, clean environment.
Nursery care is available for infants from birth until they are confidently walking. In this room children can nap in cribs, play with age appropriate toys, swing, or bounce. Our caregivers provide tender attention to our youngest children in a safe, clean environment.
Toddlers – Noah’s Ark Room
(Room 101, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Once children are confidently walking, they move to Noah’s Ark Room. This Noah’s Ark room communicates a theme of hope and promise through a play ark, a Noah’s ark painting and a story mural. A short “fence” wall helps parents and children to keep the play area separate while reducing hallway congestion. A children’s bathroom is attached.
Preschool – Egypt Room
(Room 102 at 8:30 AM and 11 AM)
Three, four, and five year olds spend time together in the Egypt Room. This room features climbing apparatus appropriate for their age and also features images that reflect times in biblical and recent history when a word of hope has come from Africa. The room features a climb-on Egyptian pyramid with a loft and slide. Biblical stories set in Egypt are included in the landscape mural with a puppet theater for play and storytelling. A children’s bathroom is attached.
Kindergarten
(Room 104 at 8:30 AM and 11 AM)
This class is for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2006. Children have experiences with interactive play, as well as time for reading, building with blocks, exploring at the rice table, or playing dress-up. A children’s bathroom is attached.
Childcare can be available at other times for North Church programming. If you need childcare to attend a church event or class, please contact the North Church office at 924-2612 at least two weeks in advance of the time needed.
Sunday School Classes
Pre-School
Toddlers & Twos (Room 103)
This class begins formal faith education for children. Teachers respond to the needs of the children. Through their approach, the teachers model Christian values, talk about God, and with the children. Prayer, music, creative time, Bible stories, and faith play are integral parts of this class. Through faith play, children learn cooperation, self-worth, responsibility, trust and friendship. Children join this class as they are ready once they can walk and talk. The curriculum is Bible Quest. Kelly McKee teaches Toddlers Twos.
Threes & Fours (Room 102)
This ongoing class is geared for children who have progressed beyond toddlerhood, but are not yet in kindergarten. Children this age have lots of energy and don’t sit still for long, are curious and like to experiment, like to laugh and be silly, are learning to take turns and can know that God loves and cares for us. The curriculum is Live B.I.G. Mr. Don Smith leads these children.
Learn more about the Live B.I.G. cirriculum here.
Kindergarten (Room 104)
This class is for students entering kindergarten this fall. Kindergarten children are active and full of energy, are interested in words and language, are eager to be trusted with responsibility and can know that God loves and cares for us. The curriculum is Live B.I.G. Class leaders Dana Williams and Euphrasie N’Tala.
Learn more about the Live B.I.G. cirriculum here.
Elementary
First & Second Grade (Room 204)
This class is for students entering first or second grade this fall. Early elementary children are still growing and energetic, refining their motor skills, learn best imaginatively, have good memories, want to help others by giving and doing, and need to strengthen their self-image as children of God, loved by God. The curriculum is Godly Play. Class leaders are Molly & Jerry Garau.
Learn more about the Godly Play cirriculum here.
Third Grade (Room 207)
This class is for students entering third grade. As children are growing more confident in their reading skills and receive Bibles to mark the beginning of third grade, these students will focus more deeply learning how to use their Bibles. Children this age are experiencing rapid physical and emotional change, are beginning to show individual abilities, like peer group activities, really enjoy learning by doing and need to feel they have a personal relationship with God. The curriculum, Live B.I.G., is led by class leaders Scott Workman & Becky Bender.
Learn more about the Live B.I.G. cirriculum here.
Fourth & Fifth Grade (Room 202)
This class provides space for fourth and fifth grade students to deepen friendships and explore together. Older elementary children can explore ways others live out their faith, can struggle with complex moral and ethical issues, want to be given the opportunity to question and to reason things through for themselves, and can see Christian growth as a lifelong process. Two teams of adults lead these children. The curriculum is Live B.I.G.There are four members of this leadership team: Mary Jo Stinnette, Nancy Zimmerman, Jill Archibald and Shane Donald.
Learn more about the Live B.I.G. cirriculum here.
Musical Offerings
Carolers
This choir is open to children in grades kindergarten-2 and is the first opportunity at North for children to be involved in choir. No audition or choral experience is necessary. The choir rehearses each Sunday immediately following the second worship service during the school year and they share their songs in Sunday morning worship services on a regular basis.
Director: Denise Caraher
Rehearsal: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Sundays, Conference Room
Choristers
This choir is open to children in grades 3-6. No audition or choral experience is necessary. The choir rehearses each Sunday immediately following the second worship service during the school year and they share their songs in Sunday morning worship services on a regular basis.
Director: Rosie Jordan
Meeting: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Sundays, Room 004
Sing, Ally Lulu DVDs for Sale
Professionally made DVDs from the May performance of Sing, Ally Lulu are available for $7 in the West Entry at the Tape Ministry table after the second worship service. Proceeds from the sale of these DVDs will benefit the Children’s Music Program.
Special Events
Halloween Party with Farmers’ Market
All children are invited to the church for a Halloween Party. This special fellowship opportunity is designed to deepen children’s relationships with church friends and new friends from the neighborhood. Games, cider-making and dancing will make this event memorable. Parents should plan to participate with their children, and everyone can come in costume.
Event coordinator: Renee Madison
Event: October 29, 4-6:30 PM
Cost: none
Breakfast with Mary and Joseph
All children are invited to the Fellowship Hall for Breakfast with Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph will share their story and participate in a question and answer session that encourages children to explore the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth. Parents should plan to spend the morning with their children.
Event coordinators: to be announced
Event: December 16, 9-11 AM
Cost: freewill offering
Mission Opportunities
Stocking the Food Pantry & Trip to the Food Pantry
This mission project is for all children at North. Children collect kid-friendly non-perishable food or the Mid-North Food Pantry during the month of November. Bring contributions to the church. Children will ride in the church bus and present the food they have collected to the Pantry and have a tour of the Pantry. Children in grades kindergarden-2 will tour on November 12, and children in grades 3-5 will tour on November 19. Permission forms are needed for this event and are available on the Church website or at the Church office.
Event/trip coordinators:Ellen Rogers & Erinn Speer
Event date: November 2006 for food collection; November 12 and 19, 10 AM for pantry trip
Worship Opportunities
At North we value having our children in worship. We make room for children in worship by:
• Teaching about the importance of worship in our lives.
• Providing opportunities for children help lead worship.
• Giving children a chance to experience worship on their level.
• Learning about the elements of worship and the worship liturgy.
• Encouraging children toan active part of worship experiences.
ABCs of Children in Worship
Arrive in time to find a good place to sit. Sit near the front to provide younger children with a better view. Have toddlers stand on the pews when the congregation rises. Keep an arm circled around them as you hold the Hymnal or bulletin for the child to see. Point to the words as the reading or singing progresses.
Be aware of what will happen in the worship service. As soon as children can read at all, encourage them to hold their own bulletin, Hymnal, and Bible. Before kids can read, help them memorize the Lord’s Prayer, Doxology and Prayer for Illumination. Since we use these as part of the liturgy, each Sunday even non-readers can participate. Have beginning readers watch for words that they know and join in at those times. Find the Scripture reading and follow along in your Bible. Discuss at home what happened in worship. Prepare children for any changes in the routine. Take time to answer questions.
Children should sit with adults who will help them participate in worship. Sometimes that is the parents, sometimes it isn’t. Remind children to make stops at the bathroom and water fountain before worship begins. For very young children, pick up a children’s Worship Bag in the back of the Sanctuary before you come in.
Children’s Alternative Worship
For children the hardest part of the worship service is concentrating on the sermon. With Alternative Worship, children remain for half the service and then are escorted during the Doxology to their own worship. Children in grades Kindergarten through 5 may follow the Children’s Banner down the aisle for an age-appropriate worship experience upstairs in room 202 or 207. Young children hear a Bible story, sing the prayer hymn of the month, and share prayer concerns. Fourth and Fifth grade students study The United Methodist Hymnal and prepare for the time when they will remain in worship during the entire service. Children younger than kindergarten may be escorted by to childcare. For everyone’s safety, no children are to be allowed “loose” in the church building during worship.
Adult Opportunities for Service
Do we need adults to share their time and talents with Children’s Ministries? Yes! As each parent chooses the place most appropriate for service, we can embody the spirit of Christ as Paul explains in his first letter to Peter:
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” I Peter 4:10 NRSV
Childcare Volunteers
At North United Methodist Church we hire Childcare Providers to take care of our youngest children. Sometimes these paid staff need to be off on a Sunday, or we have an unusually large number of children in attendance. If extra help is needed, you’ll put on an apron and be called into service that Sunday. Would you like to help? We need a group of five caring adults each of whom will check in with LaTasha Mobley once a month.
Contact: LaTasha Mobley
Length of service: Sunday mornings, once a month
Sunday School substitute teacher
At this time we are nearly fully staffed in Sunday school. Sometimes a teacher needs to be absent. Would you be willing to serve as a Substitute Sunday school teacher? Your name would be given to the Sunday School Organizer who would call you if your services were needed. We’d try to give as much notice as possible.
Contact: Neal Sanders at 594-8859 or sanders7233@sbcglobal.net
Length of service: Sunday mornings, 9:45-10:45 AM, as needed
Sunday School shopper
Do you shop in bulk and find yourself making trips to Costco? We need supplies for Sunday School. Are you willing to add a few items to your shopping list and bring them to the church? The church will reimburse you for the shopping you do on our behalf.
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length of service: once or twice a quarter
Sunday School supplies organizer
Do you love the sight of supplies neatly organized and labeled? Are you handy with a label maker? Are you able to sort and throw away items? If so, we need you. Quarterly a group gathers to clean out Sunday school closets and reorganize materials.
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length of service: two mornings, August and December
Church Bus Driver
North United Methodist Church owns and maintains a 25 passenger church bus. This vehicle requires a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) to be able to drive. Are you healthy and willing to spend time with children on various day-long or overnight outings? If you are interested in learning more about what’s required for a CDL, please get in touch.
Contact: Wayne Harrison at 255-1271 or waynelamar@aol.com
Length of service: variable
Special Event or Mission Coordinator
Lay leaders plan and implement special events for children. These events can be held on Sunday afternoons, weekday evenings, or Saturdays. Is there something you’d like to organize for children? A cooking class, overnight at the zoo, visit to another congregation, pool party, skating outing, ballgame in the field at Tarkington Park? Do you have a heart for mission and want to get children involved in serving our neighbors? Would you like to organize a Sanctuary clean-up day, trash pick-up, meal service, games afternoon at a children’s center, birthday party at Coburn Place, or family mission experience? If so, please get in touch. Church staff will provide resources and information so your event or mission project will be a success.
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length: as desired
Special Event or Mission Volunteer
Each special event and mission project for children needs cheerful adults to volunteer to help make the event a success. If you are willing to serve, please contact the event coordinator, if that person is known. If not, contact information is below.
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length: various
Children’s Worship Bags Caretaker
The children’s worship bags contain coloring books, small toys, crayons and drawing paper for children. Seasonally, these bags need to be cleaned out and restocked. Church staff will provide materials for the bags.
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length: 2 hours quarterly
Bulletin Board Decorator
Bulletin boards are a crucial part of providing a welcoming, hospitable place. Do you like to decorate? Bulletin boards need to be changed monthly. If you’re creative have some time, we can use your skills!
Contact: Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurchindy.com
Length: various
Of Special Interest to Parents
Parents’ Night Out
Children from birth through 5th grade are invited to spend the third Friday of each month with their friends at church. Then plan to take advantage of Parents’ Night Out! Childcare providers will take care of your children. Snacks will be provided and many children bring a “sack supper.”
Do you need some time with your partner or by yourself?
Want to catch up on the cleaning, shopping, cooking, or laundry?
Are you eager to see a grown-up movie?
Do you want some time to work on a hobby or to exercise?
Do you want your children to deepen their friendships with other children at church?
Event coordinator: LaTasha Mobley
Event: Third Friday of the month, 5:30-9 PM, (Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15)
Cost: $7.50 per child, not to exceed $20 per family. Please RSVP to the Church office at 924-2612 by Thursday noon before the Friday of Parents’ Night Out.
Websites of Interest
www.gbod.org/ministries/children
This is the General Board of Discipleship website for The United Methodist Church. Here you will find resources for family devotions, helping children deal with crisis, teaching children how to pray and many, many more.
www.ilivebig.org
This website is for parents and children and will enhance the I Live B.I.G. Sunday School curriculum. There are weekly activities for children here.
www.godlyplay.org
Are you interested in learning more about Godly Play? This website takes you to the Center for the Theology of Childhood and Godly Play? This website will inspire you to encourage your children at play.
www.komando.com
Do your kids know more about computers than you do? Do you want some help? Kim checks out the internet for great downloads and provides helpful information, including ways to help keep your kids safe online.
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