Sunday School at MUMC

We offer Sunday School for children ages 9 months - 5th Grade.  Our curriculum combines Biblical learning and Spiritual Formation, and is designed to meet children where they are and guide them further down their own spiritual growth path.

Come and find us!

Sparks Toddler and Twos - (9 months - 2 years):  Meet in the nursery (room 14) and head to Room 16  (Education Wing)

Preschool Discovery (ages 3 - preK 5):  Room 18 (Downstairs in the Education Wing)

Kindergarten - 1st Grade Godly Play Class:  Room 28  (Upstairs in the Education Wing)

2nd Grade Godly Play Class:  Room 28a (Upstairs in the Education Wing)

3rd Grade Bible Explorers Class: Room 19  (Downstairs in the Education Wing)

4th and 5th Grade Way of the Child Class:  Room 30 (Upstairs in the Education  Wing)

Dear Parents,

Welcome to MUMC's Sunday School Ministry! We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s Christian Education. With the goal of helping your children grow into disciples of Christ, we offer opportunities for both information and spiritual formation through our Sunday School ministry. In order to make this experience safe, enjoyable and profound, please follow these simple guidelines: 

1. Bring your children to class on time. Our Sunday school “hour” begins at 10:15. Prior to 10:15 the teachers are getting ready for your children. Entering after 10:15 can cause class disruptions and embarrassment. Please arrive promptly.
    
2. Please inform the teachers about any special needs or circumstances. Each member of our teaching team is dedicated to accompanying your child on his or her journey of faith. Take the time to get to know them and share information about your child’s behavior, learning and needs. New families - be sure to fill out a registration form!
    
3. Pick your child up on time. In order to keep children safe and out of trouble, all children (up through 5th grade) must be picked up by a parent. Teachers will be ready to dismiss children no later than 11:05. Many of our teachers have commitments before or after they teach, including attending worship. So please be considerate of their situations.
    
4. Respect your child’s classroom. The classroom is designed for children and is considered sacred space. We ask that you not enter the classrooms unless invited by a teacher. If you would like to observe class, please let the teacher know, and they will happily accommodate you.
    
5. Help your child learn about stewardship. Each classroom has a worship area with an offering basket. As part of worship, they learn that everything we have comes from God. In grateful response, we give a portion back to God. Invite your child to share a portion of his or her allowance in Sunday school.
    
6. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher or Kim Carroll, the Director of Children’s Ministries (282-7274 or kim@manchacaumc.org). 

In the school months, September through May, children follow the following schedule of classes:

Toddler and Two's "Sparks" Class (Ages 9 months – 2 years)  Based on the Early Christian Awareness Program, this curriculum introduces toddlers to the wonders of God's creation through repetitive music, multi-sensory props and prayer.  Each month the children focus on a different day of creation. They also spend time during Advent and Lent learning about the greatest mysteries of our faith - Christmas and Easter.
Preschool Discovery (Ages 3 - PreK 5) Children in this age group are introduced to the foundational stories of the Old and New Testament, through Cokesbury's Grow! Proclaim! Serve! curriculum. Children of this age learn best through hands-on learning opportunities, fun songs, interactive storytelling, crafts and large group games. The preschool class meets in our Education Wing in Room 18.
Godly Play Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Our early elementary children are invited into a safe and worshipful environment to experience they mystery and joy of God.  Godly Play values process, openness and person discovery, as students become active learners of the Christian language of parables, sacred stories, reflective silence and liturgical action.  Based on the Montessori teaching method, Godly Play encourages children to use their curiosity and imagination as they enounter the stories of scripture.  Kindergarten - 1st Grade meets in Room 28, while the 2nd grade class meets next door in Room 28A. Both classes are located upstairs in the Education Wing.
Bible Explorers (3rd Graders) Third Grade students receive Bibles as gifts from the congregation in mid-September.  Through Sunday school, they embark on a year-long journey to explore and learn to use their Bibles.  Our goal is for children to view Scripture as a life-long companion. They meet downstairs in our Education Wing - Room 19.
The Way of the Child (4th and 5th Grade) As they approach the tween years, these older elementary students are offered a calming, centering approach to learning the Bible.  The focus is on deepening their personal connection to God through various types of prayer, meditation and journaling.   The Way of the Child class meets upstairs in the Education Wing in Room 30.

This summer the children will be learning about our Methodist history and heritage!  They will meet in two age groups:

Preschool - Graduating Kindergarten

Entering 2nd - 5th Grade

June 3 - Who is John Wesley

Students will be introduced to the father of Methodism and learn about his family and his childhood.

June 10 - The Fire at Epworth

The children will act out this dramatic story from John's childhood. Did God save John for a special purpose?

June 17 - The Holy Club

The children will learn about the Holy Club from John Wesley's time in college and how that became the first groups of "Methodists."

June 24 - A Heart Strangely Warmed

Students will hear how John's life was affected when his heart was "strangely warmed" at a society meeting on Aldersgate Street.

July 1 - A Visit with John Wesley

John Welsey himself will come and visit with the children about what they have been learning about his life!

 July 8 - The Barefoot Preacher

Students will discover that John Wesley was willing to try new things to spread the Good News of God's grace through Jesus to everyone.

 July 15 - Circuit Riders

The children will learn how Methodist preachers on horseback served the early church.

July 22 - Three Rules

Children will learn Wesley's Three Rules: 1) Do no harm, 2) Do good, 3) Stay in love with God.

July 29 - Amazing Grace

Students will learn the amazing truth of God's gift of love for all.

August 5 - Four Ways to Truth

The children will learn about the four ways to explore truth: the Bible, traditions, experience and reason.  The younger class will focus on the Bible as our primary source of Truth.

August 12 - Woven Together

Children will learn about the connectedness of the United Methodist Church - and how we are all apart of the same body of Christ.

August 19 - Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

The children will learn about the mission of the modern United Methodist Church - to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.