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)
Children aged four through 5th grade are welcome to join us for Sunday School as we hear the story of The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), learning through art, spiritual practices, games, science, cooking, and storytelling/drama.
September 8th: Sunday School Kick Off 15th: Fruit of the Spirit – Art 22nd: Fruit of the Spirit – Spiritual Practices 29th: Fruit of the Spirit – Games
Ice Cream Social
September 8th | 3:30-5:00 pm
St. Paul's United Women in Faith is hosting an Ice Cream Social, and you are invited. The event will occur on Sunday, September 8th, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church at 1340 3rd Ave SE. Guests can enter from the 2nd Ave parking lot or 3rd Ave Circle Drive. Ice cream will be available in the Welcome Space, with indoor and outdoor seating offered at 3rd Avenue Circle Drive. The event will feature ice cream, children's activities, music, and fellowship. We are also offering a dairy-free ice cream option. Live music will be performed in the Circle Drive, with an Open Mic session hosted by Bruce Nesmith. Musicians of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to participate. Please get in touch with Bruce to sign up. Any donations received will support United Women in Faith projects for women, children, and youth.
Kids' Mid-week
Begins September 11th | Drop-off 6:15 pm
On Wednesday nights, St. Paul's offers various engaging spiritual development activities for children aged 4 to 5th grade. Kids can participate in multiple faith-based events, social gatherings, and music sessions— something for everyone! The activities begin at 6:30 pm, after drop-off at 6:15 pm, and end at 7:30 pm. Come and join the fun!
What We're Teaching–
People often say, "It's about the journey, not the destination," when their travel plans don't work out how they expected. This phrase couldn't have been more true for Job, who had a shocking journey. In this 4-week series, kids will hear from Job's story as he learned to navigate loss and trust God's itinerary every step of the way. Through the story of Job's perseverance and faithfulness, kids will learn that God is always with them, no matter what they are going through. They can demonstrate God's love in small ways, understand that God is greater than they can imagine, and have faith that God will make everything right.
Family Hang Out
September 20th | 5:00-7:00 pm
This casual gathering invites families to join on the third Friday of every month. It's an excellent opportunity to get to know each other and provide a fun environment for kids to play. We will meet at the Noelridge Park playground in September from 5:00-7:00 pm. The address is 4900 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Please bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic dinner.
Bass Farms
October 2nd | 6:00 pm
Join the Family Ministry Team on October 2nd for Fall fun at Bass Farms (840 Bass Lane, Mt Vernon). The event is free, and all ages are welcome! We ask that children 12 years old and younger have a parent or guardian with them for the duration of the event.
Family Friendly Connection
October 6th | 10:30-11:00 am
Families and children are welcome to join us on the first Sunday of every month (starting on October 6th) for a time of music, storytelling, and communion. This brief, informal gathering will take place from 10:30 to 11:00 am in the Children’s Parlor on the 3rd floor.
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!
