Kids

at Bethany UMC

Sunday School

In-person Sunday School is offered for children from 4K to 6th grade. Children begin with their families in the sanctuary for 10:00 am worship, and then walk to Sunday School at the point designated in the bulletin. Teachers and children enjoy music, a Bible story, and projects. 

A woman reading a book to three children on a blue carpeted floor in a classroom or library setting.

Music Opportunities

Children sing and play simple instruments in Sunday School, help lead songs during worship, and occasionally gather for a morning chimes session. Singing is also incorporated into other church events such as Christmas caroling, meal blessings at Game Night, and campfires at Pine Lake.

Four young girls performing on a stage in front of an audience in a church or community hall, with a large wooden cross decorated with colorful patterns in the background.

Childcare

Nursery care is available during worship services, for children from birth through age 5. Childcare is also provided for children of musicians (preschool – 5th grade) during choir warmups on Sunday mornings. Childcare is available at most all-church events, but this can be verified by checking with the office prior to a specific activity. 

Child's hand coloring a large paper with a yellow crayon, creating a scribbled and outlined picture. There are orange objects, possibly made of textured material, near the paper.

Fellowship Events

Connecting with others in the faith community is an important – and enjoyable! – part of faith development. Fellowship events include:

  • Game Nights

  • Congregational meals featuring pancakes or tacos

  • Easter Egg Hunt

  • Church Retreat at Pine Lake Camp

A teacher or adult woman with glasses and a red apron sitting on the floor with children in a classroom, holding her hands together as she speaks to them, with children sitting around her and a book titled 'The Peace Table' in the foreground.

Vacation Bible Camp

Bethany United Methodist Church partners with Covenant Presbyterian Church to offer a fun-filled week of faith development for kids in preschool through 5th grade. VBC typically takes place in June, and the location alternates yearly between Bethany and Covenant. Songs, Bible stories, projects, games, and snacks are enjoyed by the children and the adults and teens who plan and lead the activities.

Two young girls standing in front of a whiteboard, making peace signs with their hands during a classroom presentation. The girl on the left has glasses and braided hair, wearing a striped sweater, while the girl on the right has red hair and a blue jacket. The whiteboard behind them is filled with handwritten lyrics, musical notes, and colored markings.

Service Projects

What can we do to bring healing and hope to the world? Various outreach opportunities are available throughout the year:

  • Seed Collection at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (local prairie restoration)

  • Making and sending cards from Sunday School 

  • Contributing items for the Allied Drive Food Pantry (donation shelf in lobby)

Group of elderly women and young children exchanging items and information in a community center hallway.

Safe Santcuary

We strive to create a safe and healthy environment for all children and adults. Children’s program events are always staffed by two adults who have completed background checks. All Sunday School and nursery rooms have doors with windows. Families are encouraged to register their children at the Check-in Desk in the lobby when they arrive for worship. The policy lays out appropriate procedures for church staff and volunteers working with children and youth.

Download Our Safe Sanctuary Policy

Questions?

Contact Our Director of Children’s Ministries

Lisa Weaver

A smiling middle-aged woman with glasses, gray hair in a bun, wearing a black and gray shirt and red overalls, standing inside a wooden church with pews.
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