Children's Ministries
Helping each child become a disciple of Jesus Christ through education, fellowship and service to others.
Sunday Mornings at BUMC
Acolytes
Third through fifth graders are invited to serve as acolytes during our worship services. Training sessions are held in September and January. Schedules are mailed out quarterly.
Elementary Sunday school
Children in grades K-5 experience Sunday school through rotating workshop centers we call our Circle of Faith. Each grade visits a different center (classroom) each week during a five-week unit to experience a Bible story through art, music and games, science and cooking, storytelling and videos.
Mustard Seeds
Children from 3-years-old through second graders are invited to participate in Mustard Seeds during the last half of each worship service. It is a time of learning and fun where wiggles are always welcome!
Nursery Care
Nursery care is available for children three-years-old and younger. Our nursery is located in the Christian Life Center next to the gym. Lenora Butler is our nursery coordinator.
Preschool Sunday school
Preschool children use the Exploring Faith curriculum to introduce God’s Word through stories, crafts and games from 9:30-10:30 each Sunday morning. Classes meet in room 104 of the Christian Life Center.
Sunday Evenings at BUMC
Children’s Choirs
The Children’s (K-5th grade) and Angel (3 and 4-year olds) Choirs meet from 6:00-6:30 p.m. Sunday evenings from September-April. They learn the music of our faith and sing regularly for worship.
World Changers (formerly Treasure Hunters)
World Changers are third, fourth & fifth graders who meet from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday evenings from September-April. They focus on serving others and spending time in fellowship. Past activities include raising money to buy warm clothes for our Room in the Inn guests and making blankets for shut-ins. World Changers also go ice skating, to the park and cook-out here at the church.
YUMmies
YUMmies (Young United Methodists) is an activity for children three-years-old through second grade. Children are grouped into a class of pre-schoolers or a K-second grade class. YUMmies meets from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday evenings from September-April for Bible stories, games, crafts and snacks.
Year Round Options
Bibles for Third Graders
Each fall every third grader receives a new Bible with his or her name imprinted on it. The children also look forward to a lock-in at the church where they learn more about how to use their new Bibles.
Christmas Eve Service
A special service for our children is held on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. Children can participate as angels, shepherds, wise men and animals in the retelling of the Christmas story.
Easter Egg Hunt & Blessing of the Animals
The Saturday before Easter is always an exciting day at Bethlehem! Children fifth grade and younger are invited to an Easter egg hunt on the church grounds. After all the eggs are found, a Blessing of the Animals is held for our own pets. We have asked blessings on everything from horses to snakes!
Mission Activities
Children are invited to serve God through their actions and support causes such as Feed America First, Graceworks, the Manger, Pop Tops and Mexico Mission projects.
Play Group
Parents and young children meet at the church the first Wednesday of each month to play and talk. The third Wednesday is an outing to the park or some other fun spot!
Spiritual Renewal Activities
Spiritual Renewal services are held during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Children four-years old through second grade are invited to attend special activities during the sermons to learn more about the meaning of Lent and Ash Wednesday.
Summertime Fun
Elementary Camping
Graduated third through sixth grade students may attend an activity-filled week at Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, TN. Children swim, camp, canoe, stomp in the creeks, and learn about themselves and the world God made.
Vacation Bible School
Children from four-years-old through graduated fifth graders are invited to participate. Children will enjoy skits, crafts, storytelling, music, games and snacks. Many youth and adults help make this the most fun week of summer vacation.
For more information about our ministry to and with children contact
Rebecca Little
