Children Ministries

There are many opportunities at Brook Hill United Methodist Church for children up to 5th grade to be introduced to God and Jesus Christ in a safe, caring environment.

All children are invited to attend Sunday morning worship service and then dismiss to the nursery or Godly Play after the children’s message. Parents of infants and toddlers may drop their children off in the nursery before each service. The nursery and children’s areas are located on the lower level. An usher or greeter will gladly direct you. An elevator is available if needed.

All children must be checked in and out with staff at each service. New families need to fill out a registration form, which are available at the welcome table or in the classrooms. We have an open-door policy; parents are welcome to attend until their child feels comfortable staying with Brook Hill staff.

Our children’s ministries include:

Nursery Care
Infants through 4-year-olds are welcome in the nursery during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. We provide play, object lessons, games, and songs that teach Bible basics. Even the smallest children will be learning as they play. We also provide a snack with juice or water. Parents are welcome to bring special diet items as needed. Beepers are also available for parents upon request. The nursery is open from 8:45–10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.–noon. The nursery is closed from 10 to 10:45 a.m. for cleaning between classes.

For more information, contact Melissa Murphy, Nursery Supervisor, at nursery@bhumc.org.

Godly Play
After the children’s message in church each Sunday, children from kindergarten to 5th grade are invited for an informal hands-on lesson and activity time called Godly Play. We also have a light snack. Parents are welcome to bring special diet items as needed. Godly Play takes place from 9:20–10 a.m. and again from 11:20 a.m.–noon.

Sunday School
Children in kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome to attend Sunday school from 10–11 a.m. We offer a curriculum that takes us through the Bible every 3 years. We offer two classes, kindergarten–2nd grade and 3rd–5th grade.

The kindergarten–2nd grade Sunday School class offers an introduction to Bible basics such as the books of the Bible, an introduction to the Old and New Testaments, how to use the Bible, scripture memorization, and Bible stories. We do this in a fun environment involving play, games, and even science experiments. We introduce the fundaments of communion, a meal Jesus shared with friends. Children are encouraged to participate in communion with the congregation on the first Sunday of every month.

The 3rd–5th grade Sunday School class teaches Bible fundamentals using hands-on learning with object lessons, games, and science experiments. We introduce the children to reading the Bible in class, praying, and memorizing scripture. We teach children the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Apostle’s Creed. We delve deeper into the meaning of communion, that Jesus died for us and rose again so that we may be saved, and we celebrate this with communion in church on the first Sunday of each month. This class is geared towards preparing children for confirmation. Our goal is to have children ready to enter youth group with a head full of Bible knowledge and a heart full of the love of Christ.

For more information, contact Shelly Evans, Director of Children’s Ministry, at childrens_ministry@bhumc.org.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is an annual event hosted each summer by Brook Hill for children ages 3 (who are potty trained) through 5th grade. There are Bible stories and verses, lots of high-energy songs, a phrase of the day, games, crafts, and activities, all ending in a family night with ice cream! Join in the laughter and fun!

Upward Sports
Upward Sports Basketball is specifically designed for boys and girls in kindergarten through 6th grade. The program seeks to develop the self-esteem of each participant while teaching respect for authority, sportsmanship, character, and basketball skills.

Other Children and Family Events

  • Fall Festival
  • Thanksgiving potluck
  • Christmas Eve service, geared toward the whole family
  • Annual children’s Christmas party
  • Children’s Valentine’s party
  • Easter event
  • Mother’s Day food truck event
  • Movie nights
  • Open gym night
  • Parents’ night out
  • …and many, many more!

 

Meet the entire Children’s Ministry staff.