Children's Ministries

Children are a welcome and integral part of life at University Park United Methodist Church.  Beginning when they are baptized as infants, our children's programming provides a nurturing environment and strong Christian foundation that grows as your child grows, helping to bring their faith to life.

Babies and Toddlers

During worship services and the Sunday School hour, child care is provided for crib babies and toddlers in a safe and secure environment.  Infants and toddlers are in rooms 151 and 153.

Children's Sunday School

Children’s Sunday school classes meet at 9:45 each Sunday morning.  Children's classes are organized by grade beginning at age 2 and continuing through fifth grade. Grade level assignments are based on the child’s age on September 1 of the current year or on his or her grade in public or private school.  All children's classrooms are on the first floor of the education wing, located at the east end of the building.  Look for the grade level signs at the doors to find your child's appropriate classroom.

CLUB 345

Children in third through fifth grade become members of Club 345.  This fun and casual setting encourages fellowship and relevant Christian education to keep your child interested and inspired, as he or she moves from being a young child toward Confirmation and the Youth program.  Bible study is done through rotation workshops involving games, drama, cooking, art, computers, video and more.  Club members are active in mission events as well as monthly fellowship activities.

Children in Worship

All children are welcome in the worship services of University Park United Methodist Church. For those too young to participate happily, we provide child care during major worship services.  By age 5, most children are ready and able to participate with their families in worship.

Children are invited to come forward during Children's Time each Sunday, except on Holy Communion Sundays or when the children's choirs are performing.  In addition, an activity folder is provided at all sanctuary entrances for children to use during the service.

In fifth grade, children may become acolytes, assisting on a rotating basis in the worship services. Training and recognition are provided for this service opportunity.

Children's Choirs

Children from kindergarten through the elementary grades may participate in the children’s choir program.  The children's choirs perform regularly during worship services.

Vacation Bible School
June 9 - 13, 2008
Beach Party: Surfin' Through the Scriptures

Children’s Mission and Service

University Park United Methodist Church plans service and mission projects to encourage the giving and loving spirit of children.  Throughout the year, children participate in mission and service projects. They decorate sacks for our quarterly food drives, purchase Bibles to be distributed by our mission teams and collect toys and clothing during the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Children’s Library

University Park United Methodist Church offers a unique resource for children and their parents.  Our Children’s Library, located on the second floor near the choir area, is open weekdays from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sundays.  We invite you to browse our shelves of books and videos, snuggle with your child into a comfortable chair in one of our reading areas, and check out books and videos for your children. The library is run on an honor system.  When you arrive, please read the directions for checking out and returning books.