Children's and Family Ministries

Children’s Ministries cares for and nurtures the children of Centennial United Methodist Church, as vital members of this Church. We feel that the children are our future and an integral part of our Church life. We conduct our ministry in a number of ways:

PULL 5^th-6^th Grade Fellowship  - This group meets the needs of pre-teen youth, through a program called PULL (People Under the Lord’s Love).  Special activities are planned thoughout the year, specific to this age group. All 5^th & 6^th graders receive postcard invitations, or flyers alerting them to the next upcoming event.

3rd-4th Grade Fellowship - This fellowship offers group meetings and outings for children every 4 to 6 weeks. The group includes gatherings with food, fun, and fellowship. Children engage in learning activities, service projects, and recreation in a faith development content.

Children’s Church Events – We have designed our events to focus on the children as a part of a whole Church environment. There are usually 2-3 major events per year, with emphasis placed on the all-church Advent Event (usually 1^st Sunday in advent) and the Lenten Hosanna Party (palm Sunday). We share food, music, crafts, and fellowship. Many of our church members assist with the event and make it enjoyable for all.

Children’s Sabbath Ministry – In this ministry we coordinate and plan the observance of Children’s Sabbath in our church. Children’s Sabbath is a worship-related event, put together and carried out by adults and children working together.

Safe Children and Youth Ministry – Provides the link between Children’s Ministries and the Safe Children and Youth Task force within Centennial UMC (they are responsible for our Church policy in this area).

Vacation Bible School - Vacation Bible School provides a creative, fun-filled, educational environment for young children to learn about God in our world. It is usually held during the first week or so of Summer vacation, and is well-attended by the children of the church.

Nursery Home Visitor Ministry – We have one (sometimes two) people who contact families with new babies, extending the care and concern of our congregation.  We also note special events during the children’s early years, such as baptisms and birthdays.

Nursery/Child Care - Child care is offered in our Nursery on Sundays, 9:00 - 11:30 AM when there are two scheduled worship services. During summer months, it is offered from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. Child care is provided for meetings, other church events and worship services upon request of Centennial UMC Committees and groups. Child care is provided by our Child Care Supervisor, Child Care Assistant, caregivers, and volunteers who follow our Safe Sanctuaries policies.

New Program(s) – We would like to involve some of the children more directly in our planning, and have Youth Delegates. These children (maybe 5 or 6) would provide input to our programming. Expectation is that they would have an adult ‘sponsor’ who would bring them to a monthly meeting (and is also encouraged to participate as well). Things we would like input about include topics such as…. The possibility of a children’s newsletter…a family movie night…a Mission Festival…a mission trip to "Feed My Starving Children" to package food for other kids….

We have open committee positions that we would like to fill.

• A Special Events Coordinator, for the Children’s events mentioned above.
• Member at Large

Contact Donna Draeger, Minister of Christian Education, 651.633.7644, Ext. 13 or ddraeger@centennialumc.org if you are interested in serving or would like more information.

Children and Family Ministries Committee
Co-Chairs:
Sandy and David Breen

Special Events Coordinator:

Children's Sabbath Coordinator:
Helen Dotray

Nursery Home Visitor:
Corky Donaldson

Child Care Supervisor:
Jean Moline, 651-633-7644, ext. 38

Vacation Bible School Coordinator for 2006:
Joanne Bell

Member-at-large:
Brian Fodstad

5th-6th Grade Fellowship Coordinators:
Holly and Mark Bilderback

3rd-4th Grade Fellowship Coordinators:
Deanna Null and Tammy Nara

1st-2nd Grade Fellowship Coordinators:

Link of Interest:

Match the animals in the game "Noah's Ark":

http://milescooley.com/mc/cards/noah/noah.html