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Church Hill UMC offers multiple children’s programs
By LINDA M. LINONIS
LIBERTY
Activities for children abound at Church Hill United Methodist Church.
The faith-based programs are featured in the monthly newsletter in the “Children’s Corner.”
Terri West, children’s ministry director, recently discussed the programs — A.R.K. (Awesome Rotating Kids) Sunday school class, King’s Kids Club and upcoming vacation Bible school.
A.R.K. is geared to children from kindergarten through sixth grade and runs from September to June. West said the name is based on how the children learn; they learn different aspects of the same Bible story through various activities such as art, music and puppetry.
West said a recent subject was Joseph’s coat of many colors. The Sunday school children made one of their own and each child got a chance to wear it and get a photo taken. West said she took a white lab coat and the children cut strips of cloth of many colors, which were sewn onto the coat.
The children also make banners for various observances such as Advent, Christmas and Easter.
West said A.R.K. children listen to stories in the Bible Room, where the Father’s Word Tent Room is located. The space is draped in heavy cloths, creating the feeling of a tent, with rugs inside to sit on.
The Carpenter’s Room is where arts and crafts are done. There also are music opportunities and puppetry with Solid Rock Productions and A Joyful Noise musical production.
The King’s Kids Club has two sessions of 13 weeks each from September to December and January to April; sessions are Wednesdays. The club is for children from preschool to fifth grade. Activities include Bible study, music and crafts.
West said the Kids Club also provides dinner for children and families are encouraged to stay and eat dinner.
“We feel this is an outreach to the community,” West said. Some children are from the church while others, the community.
West said it takes about 40 adult volunteers to conduct the club that attracts about 20 children.
“We want to give them a rounded experience,” West said of the activities. Some are centered around holidays. “A Christmas program allows children to witness their faith,” West said. “It is a way to get them involved in the worship experience.”
Additionally, a youth group for sixth- through ninth-graders meets Wednesdays.
The church also sponsors a children’s fair with carnival-type games. “It’s wholesome fun in a safe environment,” West said.
West has served as children’s ministry director for 13 years and “just loves it.”
A nurse, she had worked in a doctor’s office and was diagnosed with breast cancer and is a survivor. “I feel like God led me here,” she said, adding the position just “fell into place.”
West said the children’s programs at Church Hill UMC treat each child “as special.”
“We want to introduce them to Jesus and teach them that He loves them,” West said. “Having faith shows them that they’re not alone and that they can share in love and kindness.”
West continued that the programs “stress good behavior, kindness and Christian love.”
“We want the children to follow Jesus in loving people and caring about others,” West said, adding bullying is discussed and discouraged.
West said through the children’s programs the church reaches out to those who attend services and the community. She said the church practices a “safe child policy.”
The church also plans a vacation Bible school from June 29-July 3 for preschool through sixth grade.
For information, call the church at 330-759-0118 or visit www.churchhillumc.com.