At St. Paul’s, worship is for the whole family. While childcare is available in our nursery for all Sunday morning services, we welcome children of all ages at all worship services. Because participation in worship leadership gives children a chance to serve others and gain confidence in their place as members of the Body of Christ, we encourage kids to get involved! In the book of Mark, we hear from Jesus...
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16, NRSV)
St. Paul's Kids is where it all begins at St. Paul's! Every Sunday at 10:10 am, children aged 4 through 5th grade learn about faith and start their path to a relationship with God. Kids are introduced to Bible stories and explore how those stories fit with our Methodist traditions.
Through March 24: Join us as we journey through Lent in an engaging and hands-on learning for kids.
The Season of Lent is 40 days, begins on Ash Wednesday, and is a period of introspection and reflection on the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. Episcopal author and theologian Barbara Brown Taylor says that Lent is a “springtime for the soul...Forty days to cleanse the system and open the eyes to what remains when all comfort is gone. Forty days to remember what it is like to live by the grace of God alone and not by what we can supply for ourselves.”
March 10: No Sunday School. Enjoy your spring break.
Kids' Mid-week Faith Formation: Wednesdays at St. Paul's
Join us as we journey through the New Testament using Illustrated Ministries' "An Illustrated Invitation: Joining God at Work in the World," designed to draw children ages preschool to fifth grade into conversation with biblical stories, showing them what God is doing, and inviting them to consider how to join in that work.
February 28: Blessed to be a Blessing: We are a blessed child of God so that we can be a blessing to others (Genesis 17:3-7)
March 6: Love God, Love Others: Treating one another with kindness, respect, and love helps us to live together in the way that honors God. (Exodus 20:12)
March 13: Spring Break- No Mid-Week
March 20: Loving and Honoring God with our minds and thoughts (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
March 27: Journey through Holy Week
Through March 27 we will be utilizing the United Methodist Church Discipleship Ministries Lent Resources: Render Your Hearts – Claiming the Promise.
Winter Weather Policy
Our children and youth programming follows the Cedar Rapids school district lead regarding weather cancelations. Should the Cedar Rapids school district cancel or let us out of school early, we will not have Wednesday night programming.
We will make the best judgment call to keep everyone safe for programming on days when the schools are not in session, e.g., Sunday School. Announcements will be made via Remind, social media, and KCRG.
Children can and do encounter Jesus in worship, just as adults do. They hear God’s word in the reading of scripture and in a children’s message designed for young ears and eager minds. They share in God’s grace and forgiveness as we share in Holy Communion. They celebrate and welcome new members into the body of Christ in their participation in Holy Baptism. They lift their joyful voices in songs and hymns of praise. They pray as part of the community of the faithful. In all of these things, children participate alongside adults in our faith family.
Worship is an important place for all of us, including children, to experience God’s grace, learn how to give thanks to God and grow in relationship with God. The ritual of worship has been a historic and primary means of passing on the faith throughout the ages. Ritual is also a primary method of learning for young children. Children and worship, therefore, go together beautifully! Worship is a place where ritual is available and welcoming, week after week, to connect us with God and a faith family. Children can find a sense of identity and belonging in the ritual of worship and are sent to use their hands and feet to share the love of Jesus with the world.
Parents, grandparents and other caregivers...
We wish to offer you grace as you teach the children in your family how to worship. The pastors, staff and congregation are here to support you as you raise children in the faith. You can help us say, “Welcome,” to your children by...
Making worship a priority in your child’s life.
Modeling the faith life you want your children to have by making worship a priority in your life, too. Talk positively and joyfully about church so your children catch on that church is a good place to be.
If you have young children, sitting close to the front where they can see what is going on. Help them follow along in the bulletin.
Picking up a children’s worship bag from the ushers on your way into worship.
Not expecting too much from young children. It is okay if they cannot sit through an entire service or a sermon without a break in the hallway, especially if worship is new to them. Regular participation in worship will help set the expectations for what is acceptable worship behavior. Some of our families with toddlers and preschoolers have their children worship with them through the children’s sermon, go to the nursery during the readings and sermon and then come back to join the congregation at the time of the offering so they can participate in Holy Communion.
Volunteering as a family to be ushers or greeters so your child can participate as a worship leader. Children love to help and we love when they help lead worship. This will help instill in them a sense of belonging and identity within our faith family.
Encourage Children to participate as acolytes- Acolytes participate in worship leadership during our 9:00 am traditional worship service in the sanctuary, symbolically bringing the light of Christ into worship by lighting candles. Children are trained in the meaning and responsibilities of an acolyte at the end of 3rd grade Sunday School and can sign up to be on the schedule after that. Contact the church office at 319-363-2058 for more information about acolytes.
Our pastors love talking to children (and their families) before or after worship. If your child has questions about the service, encourage them to talk with us. We’re here to support you and them on your faith journeys.
St. Paul's Kids is where it all begins at St. Paul’s! Every Sunday at 10:20 am children age 4 through 5th grade learn about faith and begin their path to a relationship with God. Kids are introduced to Bible stories and explore how those stories fit with our Methodist traditions.
Wednesday nights are full of exciting spiritual formation activities for kids ages 4 years old - 5th grade at St. Paul’s. Children have many varied opportunities for faith formation, fellowship, and music—something for everyone. Come join the fun!
Drop off at 6:15 pm, activities at 6:30 pm. Join the fun!
Meet our Director of Family Ministries
Welcome to Children's Ministries here at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. My name is Becca Nims; I am the Director of Family Ministries. Our desire in children's ministries is to foster an environment where children can be authentic and know they belong in God's family. Children are not just the church's future; they are the church of today! I look forward to getting the chance to meet you.
Questions?
If you have further questions about St. Paul's Kids ministries, click the button below and connect with us!
