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 846-2212, ext. 315.

Jim Angerole,
Director of Children’s Education and Programming

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, Epiphany, 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, paid nursery workers, and Soapstone volunteers, staff each nursery.

Children’s Educational Opportunities

Map of Sunday School Rooms

Children’s 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!

Vacation Bible School 2008

This year Soapstone is offering two different, exciting Vacation Bible School programs!

• Our first VBS program is called Friendship Trek. During this VBS children will take an amazing hike through the Bible to meet Jesus, their forever friend! Friendship Trek will be held from 9:00am to 12:00pm the week of June 23-27, 2008 and is geared specifically for children ages 3 to those who have completed kindergarten.
• Our second VBS program is called Jerusalem Marketplace. This is the follow up to last year’s Galilee by the Sea VBS. Children will continue to explore what it might have been like to live when Jesus did by experiencing new traditions, tasting new foods, and trying new arts and crafts projects- all coming from the day of Jesus. Jerusalem Marketplace will be held from 5:45-8:00 pm the week of July 13-17, 2008 and is for children in kindergarten to those who have completed fifth grade.

Registration packets will be available beginning the week of April 1st (outside the Children’s Ministries Office: Room 126).

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, and arts & crafts. Hot dogs and baked goods will be available for lunch.  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.

Family Fellowship Swim Nights

Swim nights are held twice during the summer for Soapstone families and friends. This is a fun time of fellowship with swimming, playground time, and snacks.

Children’s Mission & Outreach Opportunities

Friend to Friend — Summer programs

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 three times during the summer 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, an 9-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.