Welcome to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church's Children's Ministries! We believe children are a vital part of our church family and seek to nurture their faith through meaningful relationships, engaging programs, and intentional worship. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged in their spiritual journey as a beloved child of God. We also care deeply for families, by providing support and resources to help them grow together in faith and community.
Christian Education
In partnership with dedicated teachers and helpers, our children’s classes nurture faith, invite wonder about the mysteries of God, and encourage children to live out their faith by serving others, all while deeply rooted in the understanding that they are beloved children of God.
Safe Sanctuaries practices are followed, so a parent or guardian must sign a child in and out of the classroom. To review St. Mark's Safe Sanctuaries policy and practices, click here.
Children's classes
Children from age 2 to 5th grade gather into age-level groups to learn about God's great love and the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
To learn more about our Children's classes, please click here.
Wednesday Night Together: Kids Connection
Children ages two years through fifth grade gather together for a time of connection, fun and games, and life application during the school year on—You guessed it!—Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Nursery Ministry
St. Mark’s nursery provides care for children ages three months up to four years. Our caring staff is dedicated to offering the love of Christ to the youngest of children and helping them experience this love through weekly Bible Stories, play, and age-appropriate activities.
Nursery hours
Nursery location: Rooms 201 – 203
Nursery hours
- Sundays 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Ages three months to four years,
(Ages two years and up attend Christian education from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.)
- Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Sept. - April only)
Ages three months to two years
- Other days and times available by special arrangement
Nursery policies
- St. Mark's nursery and Christian education classes follow local public school guidelines for placement by age. For example, if a child turns two years old by August 15 of the current school year, the child may attend the two-year-old class. If not, then the child stays in the nursery for care until the following school year.
- Each child must be signed in and out of the nursery by a parent or guardian.
- No child may be left in the nursery unless his or her parent or guardian remains on the church campus for a church function.
- A diaper bag must be provided and labeled with your name and cell phone number. Please include diapers and a change of clothes. Please label any bottles, pacifiers or toys.
- A complete list of nursery policies is available in the nursery or church office.
Contact St. Mark’s for further information or to arrange childcare for a special event.
Baptism
We encourage and celebrate the baptism of infants and children, as it marks their inclusion in God’s church and recognizes God’s grace is already at work in their lives.
The baptismal covenant is connectional—it is made in public and the St. Mark’s congregation vows to support and nurture your family as you raise your child in faith. Contact a pastor about baptism.
Summer
Summer brings opportunities for children to enjoy the sun and, more importantly, to grow in the Son – Jesus Christ. Christian Education continues, and other events, such as an arts camp or local mission projects, are announced as they are planned.
St. Mark’s pulls out all the stops for Vacation Bible School adventures for children. VBS creates excitement and engages children in Christian growth through crafts, recreation, music, age-appropriate lessons and service activities. Sign up now for VBS!
For many children, the experience of summer camp at Cedar Crest can be life changing. Children meet God in community and worship with other campers, while also enjoying activities from swimming and canoeing to crafts and campfires. St. Mark’s provides partial scholarships to children of members because we know God works in their lives through the camp experience.
Preschool & Parents' Day Out
Your
child can experience the joy of learning in a Christian atmosphere at
St. Mark’s Preschool and Parents’ Day Out. Open to children ages 18
months to five years from throughout the community.