Children's Programs
Our children's program staff is compassionate about helping you to make a difference in the lives of your children. We want to help you cultivate their relationship with Jesus.
When I visit a new church I need to know what activities there are for my children to experience that will bring them into a stronger faith relationship and instill in them truthful moral values.
Our programming includes a wide array of activities in which your child can be involved in. Below is a brief description of some of our regular opportunities.
Sunday Morning Bible Lesson
Sunday morning at 10:10 children ages 3-12 enjoy a stimulating Bible lesson and age appropriate activity. We use Gospel Light curriculum in all of our classrooms. Nursery care is available for children 1 mo - 3 yrs.
Children's Worship
During 9:00 worship (after the Children's Sermon), and again during 11:00 worship (after the Children's blessing) the children are invited to leave to attend Children Worship in Fellowship Hall. At CW they learn to sing scripture and other songs with movement, have a scripture lesson, and apply the biblical lesson to their everyday lives. To help them remember the biblical truth there is often a craft, game, or activity that is done. Children's Worship meets throughout the school year. In the summer we encourage children to sit with their family and participate in the regular services. We provide a children's bulletin that corresponds to the pastor's message.
Acolytes
Children serving as acolytes light the candles by the altar at the beginning of the service. This represents the "light" of the world being brought to us. At the end the children take the "light" out with them, representing how we can take the "light" of God's word with us when we leave the church. Children arrive 15 minutes before the service at which they are serving on Sunday morning. They wear a robe and sash which are provided and stored in a designated closet. Children ages 7-12 who are interested may contact the church office at 724-463-8535 or Cynthia Spielman at 724-349-9779.
Vacation Bible School comes around once a year. This year it will be August 3-7, 2009. This is an activity of paramount preparation in which the children enjoy a thematic week of learning Bible stories, songs, play games and nibble on snacks while they make friends and learn about Christian values. A program is always to follow in which the parents and friends are invited to come enjoy the songs we learned during the week and fellowship with everyone. For more information contact the church office.
JOYful Noise Choir for more information about our children's music program click here.This choir is for children age 5 through 2nd grade. We have a lot of fun in this group. The children learn many Christian songs, and perform the best ones for the 9:00 Worship Service (and sometimes at 11:00). All children are welcome. For more information click here
JOY Choir
This choir is for children in grades 3-6. We sing about once a month at the 9:00 worship service - and sometimes at the 11:00 service. All children are welcome. For more information click here
Hosanna Ringers
These children learn to ring melody chimes. We play about once a month (or when ready) and are open to students in grades 4-6. Since we have a limited number of chimes, it is necessary for children to register for this ensemble.
Camping Activities
Children enjoy the outdoors at one of our 3 United Methodist camping facilities. Summer programming is encouraged and often scholarships are available. Some of the camping programs that are available are Nature's Mysteries, Dance, Horse Camp, Adventure Camp, Swim Camp and many more. To visit our camps click here. http://www.wpaumc.org/camping/ Camp brochures are available at the church office and various bulletin boards in the church. We will provide 1/2 of the cost of a campership for our Grace children and youth.
Always there is something going on in addition to the normal activities. It might be Movie Night with popcorn and your favorite blanket or an Advent Activity made by loving hands and cheerful hearts. Perhaps it is the Pastor handing an envelope with Kingdom Assignment money in it or something as seemingly simple as receiving a Bible to begin your child's journey into the rest of their life.
If your children are older than 6th grade we invite them to become a part of our Youth Group which is directed by our full time Youth Director, Amanda Gilligan. For more information about Youth Group activities click here.
When your children are beyond 12th grade we still provide meaningful activities as our College Ministry prepares them to ask the hard questions. Our full time College Ministry Director, Karen Salser is active not only with our in-house college students but also the programming in conjunction with the IUP Campus. For more information about our College Ministry click here.
You may contact the church office at 724-463-8535 if you have additional question about our Children's programs and activities or contact the church office at 724-463-8535.