Children’s Ministries
Our Children’s Ministries programs are where discipleship training begins. Starting as early as our nursery and preschool-aged children, we have developed facilities and curriculum to encourage children to feel God’s love and learn how to be disciples of Christ. Our school-age program seeks to teach the children fundamental scripture and Bible stories using several types of learning styles.
At Aldersgate United Methodist Church, we believe that children are a blessing from God. It is our goal to share God’s love with our children and create a fun and loving experience for both the children and their parents.
We encourage all parents and anyone with a heart for children to serve in our Children’s Ministry. If you are interested in volunteering, please notify a nursery staff person or call the church office (244-1820 ext. 204). We follow Safe Sanctuary guidelines at Aldersgate, which includes background checks and policy training. Opportunities for this training are provided through out the year.
The Team
Our paid workers and volunteers are committed to providing a safe, caring and nurturing Christian environment for your child. We want you to feel comfortable about your child’s well-being while you attend worship service and other programs at Aldersgate.
Nursery/Preschool
For infants through age K5, care is provided in the nursery area both during the 9:40 am Sunday School hour and the 10:46 am Refuge Worship Service.
Our Nursery/Pre-school ministry is located in the classroom area below the sanctuary. Access to this area is through a door to the left of the main sanctuary door, upstairs in the Commons area.
By the time they reach preschool age, there are special resources outside of the sanctuary to help them begin to participate in our Refuge worship service if so desired. Things like “busy bags”, crayon pouches, clipboards with activity pages and our Children’s Time.
Children’s Time is a short lesson within the worship service created just for them. During these few minutes, they are invited to come forward to join the pastor or leader for a story or object lesson designed just for them. After that, they can stay in the service with you or head downstairs for continued care.
Elementary
As the children reach school-age, they have the option to transition to their own 9:40 am christian formation class called “The Bridge”. Using an exploratory approach, this class looks at core stories from the Bible. Students can express their thoughts and questions through art, engineering and word.
The Bridge is located in the Soul Cafe which is down the hallway to the right of the gymnasium.
We welcome any questions, concerns or suggestions you might have that will help our nursery and preschool ministries continue to grow and be a welcoming place for all church members and visitors. Please contact Johannah Myers at (864) 244-1820.
Additional Children’s Ministries
PURPOSE
Our purpose for establishing this Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults and accompanying procedures is to demonstrate our total and unwavering commitment to the physical, emotional and spiritual safety of all our children, youth and vulnerable adults (a person 18 years or older who may be unable to take care of him or herself or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation).
COVENANT STATEMENT
Aldersgate United Methodist Church hereby pledges to conduct the ministry of Jesus Christ in ways that ensure the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of all of our children and youth as well as all of our workers with children and youth. We will follow reasonable safety measures when selecting and recruiting workers; we will implement appropriate operational procedures in all areas of programming and care; we will train our workers with children and youth on our procedures and policies; and we will have a clearly defined procedure for reporting a suspected incident of abuse consistent with South Carolina state law.
Children's Music Ministry
Our children’s choirs meet during the school year as a part of our Wednesday night Connect Program (September – May).
We have two age groups; the Cherub Choir (preschool age) and the Children’s Choir (1st – 6th Grade). All types of music are explored – vocal and instrumental and the choirs are given several opportunities to help lead in worship through out the season.
There is nothing more worshipful than voices praising God!
