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)
The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission has launched its 8th Annual Fair Housing Art and Poetry Contests! Check out the link to the flyers below for more information. Submissions due by April 7, 2023. They are looking forward to seeing your submissions!
Originally Lent was the period before Easter when converts were instructed in the Christian faith to prepare them for baptism on Easter. For the Western church, Lent now begins on Ash Wednesday and is often used as a season to study the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus. Through God’s World in Community: Lent participants of all ages explore sessions titled Treasure, Bread, Shrine, Fruit, Robe, Perfume, and Thorns.
Changing Gears
A 4-week series from the New Testament on Jesus' Ministry, Wednesday’s in March
Books & Bites
An opportunity for parents to chat about books and share in a bite to eat this Spring! ANYONE who hasn’t read a good book lately and wants to try is welcome! Contact Nancy AntonJensen if you are interested so we can prepare, 319-360-4144 or (nantonjensen@gmail.com).
Donate Your Hy-Vee Receipts and Help St. Paul's ELC
Help support St. Paul’s Early Learning Center by saving and donating your Hy-Vee receipts. We will be collecting until March 31st, 2023. Digital receipts from aisles online count! Just print and send in! View Flyer. Money raised is used to support our early childhood programming! There is a collection box in the St. Paul’s office or contact Julie Hanlin @ jhanlin@stpaulsumc.org.
Easter Egg Hunt
Join us for an amazingly fun time at our outdoor Easter Egg Hunt at Redmond Park! (1545 3rd Ave SE). All are welcome! We will have a blast hunting eggs during a huge ongoing egg hunt. Come have fun at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 8th. This event is sponsored by Collins Community Credit Union (1st Avenue Branch) and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Summer Fun!
Children will explore weekly themes, splash pad adventures, community partnerships, nature walks, STEM activities, sports week and more! Lunch will be provided for our St. Paul’s campers.
Is your child interested in attending camp? St. Paul’s has financial scholarships available- contact Becca Nims (rnims@stpaulsumc.org) for more information.
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. I am so glad that you are here! My name is Becca Nims and I am the Director of Family Ministries. Children are a blessing to us all and a very important part of the St. Paul’s family. We strive to offer something for all ages to impact the children of our community and prepare them to discover their uniqueness and facilitate their growth in their relationships with God. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I would love to meet with you and welcome you to our St. Paul’s family!
We believe all children are entitled to gather together in this place to experience God’s love. Where faith, imagination, and learning go hand in hand.
Questions?
If you have further questions about St. Paul's Kids ministries, click the button below and connect with us!
