Welcome to Children’s Ministries!

At Soapstone UMC we believe that children are a gift from God and that we have been charged with the privilege of raising our children in the Christian faith. Along with that privilege comes a great responsibility, which Soapstone takes very seriously.

Therefore, we offer a variety of ministry opportunities and programs that will not only help children grow in their knowledge of God, but more importantly, help them come to know God personally through Jesus Christ.

If you have any questions about our any of our children’s ministries programs, please give me a call at 846-4062, ext. 315.

Thank you and God bless!

Jim Angerole,
Director of Children's Ministries

Safe Sanctuary

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. more/volunteer forms...

Children’s Worship Opportunities

Sunday Morning Worship Services

We believe that worship belongs to God and that God calls all children (young and old) to worship together. Therefore, children are welcomed and encouraged to attend worship. Each week, a Children’s Story is told during the worship service; some children remain in worship for the entire service, and some (5 and under) go to the nursery after Children’s Story. Children’s Ministries provides worship notebooks for children ages 3-6 and ages 7-12 on the shelves outside the sanctuary doors.

Christmas Eve and Easter Celebration Services

These services are specifically designed for children and their families, although all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Children actively participate in and lead parts of each service.

Rites of Passage — September to April

Rites of Passage is a program for children that is held once or twice a month during our worship services. Children from Toddlers to 5th grade are presented a special “faith gift” symbolizing their continued growth in their walk with the Lord. Rites of Passage also has another very important purpose: to remind the congregation of their vows to help nurture, raise, and pray for each child so that our children will come to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Nursery Care During Worship

Three nurseries are provided during both worship services: Infants, Toddler/Twos, and ages 3-5.

The Infant nursery is also available during the Sunday school hour. For your child’s safety we have two paid nursery coordinators as well as a mix of paid nursery workers and Soapstone volunteers staffing the nurseries each Sunday.

Children and Parent Educational Opportunities

Map of Sunday School Rooms

Traditional School Year Sunday School — 9:45-10:45am

Sunday school classes for toddlers through grade 5 are held throughout the year. Our curriculum is currently Gospel Light which is biblically based, age appropriate and varies from class to class, taking into consideration all learning styles. Our goal is to bring the Bible alive for our children so that they will come to know and love God’s Word and apply it to their lives!

Summer Sunday School — 9:45-10:45am

Summer Sunday for children ages two to 5th grade is from June 7 to August 30. Our curriculum is called Hands on Bible curriculum by Group Publishing which uses items kids are familiar with to teach them the Bible story like Jesus used items that people would have been familiar with when he taught. Children should stay in their current age and grade levels for summer Sunday school. They will move into their new grade levels at the start of traditional Sunday school on September 6.

Vacation Bible School- Early Summer

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a weeklong program for preschool and elementary age children. Our curriculum for our 2009 VBS program was SonRock Kid’s Camp, which was held the week of June 21-26. Children had a great time learning how Peter grew in his friendship with Jesus and came to be the Rock that Jesus said he would eventually become! Although the curriculum for 2010 VBS is not chosen yet we have the dates tentatively scheduled as follows: June 20-24- Evening VBS, 5:45-8:00pm & June 21-25- Morning VBS, 9:15-12:00pm.

Leading Your Child to Jesus Class (For Parents)

Have you ever wondered how to know when your child is ready to make a commitment to Jesus? Do you get tongue-tied when your child asks how Jesus can fit inside his heart? If so this class may be for you. Using a DVD based curriculum with teaching by David Staal, director of Promiseland Children’s Ministry at Willow Creek, along with his book “Leading Your Child to Jesus” you will learn how to communicate your own story of faith in ways your kids understand. You will use stories, pictures and concrete language in place of theological terms and you will learn how to pray with your kids, using easy steps and prompts to help them invite Jesus to be their “Forever Friend”.

This class is held at various times throughout the year in 2 sessions-each 1 ½ to 2 hours long.

Parenting- The Early Years (For Parents)

Do you ever struggle with the kind of parent you want to be? Do you ever wonder how your kids will remember you when they are all grown up? If so, then you are invited to attend a six week parenting class called PARENTING- THE EARLY YEARS. This DVD based Bible study features Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, authors of “The Parent You Want to Be” and will take you through a parenting approach you won’t find in any other parenting resource. In Reality TV style, you will take a sneak peek at real-life parenting moments and vulnerable questions from 20 families. You will also discover 10 Biblical truths that will make you a better person and a better parent; a parent who is affirming, patient, attentive, visionary, connected, celebratory, authentic, comforting, insightful and prayerful.

Since this class requires sharing among participants it will be limited to 10 people. Each participant will receive a workbook but there will not be homework other than thought questions to reflect on for the following week’s session. The cost for the class will be $10.00 to help pay for the workbooks. This is held twice a year, once in the fall and again late winter.

Fellowship Opportunities

A wide variety of fellowship activities for children and their families are planned throughout the year.  Below are just a sample of some the most recent fellowship activities.

Family Fall Harvest Fair

Children of all ages have fun and fellowship through a variety of races, games, crafts, priase music provided by our own praise bands and carnival stlye food.  Held mid fall.

Family Bowling Night

Even if you only go bowling once a year, you know how much fun it is to bowl with family and friends!  Held early winter.

Lenten Fair : Shrove Tuesday

The Lenten Fair is held in conjunction with a UMYF pancake supper for our church family. Children’s Ministries has organized crafts for children that are based on the season of Lent.

Family Game Night

Families are invited to bring some  games and a dessert to share and enjoy a TV-free night of old fashioned fellowship with other Soapstone families!  Held late winter.

Children’s Mission & Outreach Opportunities

Friend to Friend

This mission-oriented fellowship program is designed for children ages 5 to 11. (Younger children are welcome with their parents). Friend to Friend events are held periodically throughout the year to emphasize Soapstone’s mission statement of offering “help, healing and hospitality” in the name of Jesus.

Birth of Jesus Treat Bags

Preparing for Christmas, Sunday school children collect candy for the Birth of Jesus Treat Bags. The bags are filled with candy and a note is included on each bag sharing the story of Jesus’ birth. The bags are distributed along with gifts to the children of families in need.

Christmas Caroling

Through our annual caroling event, children travel with their parents to a local neighborhood to share the message of Jesus Christ through carols, crafts and refreshments.

Heifer Project International

Children collect money, usually during Lent, to support the funding of livestock for families throughout the world. Livestock in many third world countries are used for farming and providing daily essentials such as milk and eggs.

Compassion International Child Sponsorship

Our children’s Sunday School sponsors Marvin Alexander Moreno, a 13-year-old boy living in El Salvador. Through our sponsorship Marvin is able to attend school, eat well-balanced meals, get regular medical attention, and hear about and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Our children correspond with Marvin through letters, pictures and cards.