I once heard United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon say, “If the 1950’s ever make a comeback in our society, we are uniquely poised to meet that challenge!” He was poking fun at the slow pace of change in local churches. If, however, the church wishes to stay in the habit of reaching out to people who live in the world as it is today, continuous, gracious change is necessary. I know I’m going out on a limb here, but I suspect the 1950’s will not be returning anytime soon!
One such change is very difficult for me to comprehend and accept, but the world can be a dangerous and complicated place. Read the newspapers- church shootings, lax safety procedures that led to tragedy or children taken from programs without proper permission. We’ve read the stories, but we can still feel insulated from them. The good news is we are required by the Florida Conference of the UMC to uphold certain standards in our ministry of care to children and parents. This is right and good.
Please know that we are deeply concerned about the best safety practices possible when it comes to the most precious blessings given to you by God. As we make changes in policy related to improving how we protect your children, please be patient and understanding. I wish we didn’t have to concern ourselves with child care ratios, check-in and sign out procedures, and locking doors, but this is 2008. Things have changed, and we won’t be going back to the 1950’s anytime soon.
We as a church family must partner together- families, volunteers, and staff to do all we can to provide as safe a place as possible for people of all ages to worship and serve. Thank you for your participation in the policy adopted by our church that allows children the freedom to become better disciples of Jesus Christ through worship and learning opportunities on their level and parents to worship knowing that the safety of their children is a high priority.
Blessings,
Pastor Jamie
The Children's Ministry team is committed to helping your children experience God and discover His will in a way that is uniquely theirs. That's the reason for our emphasis on Children's Church and age-specific ministries.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Where to take your child when you arrive on campus:
- Children under 2-years old should be taken to the appropriate "Noah's Ark" room listed below. (all in the Epworth Bldg.)
- Infants should be taken to room E103
- Toddlers (children walking steadily) should be taken to E101
- 2-year olds should be taken directly to room E102 in the Epworth Building
- Children age 3, 4 and in Kindergarten should be signed in at their classroom
- 3 year olds (born before 9/1/2004) - room E104
- 4 year olds (born before 9/1/2003) - room E105
- Kindergarten (enrolled in Kindergarten) - room E106
- 1st through 5th graders sign-in takes place in front of the two-story building (Gym).
Reaching the children Of our community, to Center them in the Kingdom of God
Come build your life on the R.O.C.K. this Sunday!
The R.O.C.K. is a fun worship and learning experience designed specifically to engage children at their level and teach them the timeless lessons of the Bible. This awsome program creatively utilizes both large group and small group formats, and is designed to help kids:
- Know What... what does the Bible Story say?
- So What... what does the Bible Story mean?
- Now What... how do I make this part of my life?
The fun and adventure begins at 9:15am, and continues until 12 noon, including a special Flicks of Faith program at 11:00. Check out the current newsletter or church bulletin for details. Parents are always welcome to participate and volunteering from time-to-time is encouraged!
Noah's Ark is geared for ages newborn to 2 years old; allowing you freedom to participate in an adult worship service, a Sunday School class or to serve in a ministry area on Sunday morning.
8:00am Infants to 1st Grade should be taken to room E101
9:30am Infants should be taken to room E103
Toddlers should be taken to room E101
2-year olds should be taken to room E102
11:00am Infants should be taken to room E103
Toddlers should be taken to E101
2-year olds should be taken to room E102
We adhere to all state and federal mandated child protection policies and teacher/student ratios.
For more information, contact Shelly Wilson at 689.4161 or write children@fumcbrandon.org