children and families

We believe that children and youth come first in the Kingdom of God. Our love-driven philosophy is to "train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." (Proverbs 22:6 )


At NDUMC, we meet each child at their level of development, and help them grow on their own spiritual walk. We teach them the love of Christ, the joy of his forgiveness, the salvation and the truth of his word. And we encourage their growth in the body of believers.


We allow our children and youth to develop a relationship with God at their own pace. Nothing is more exciting than seeing young people flourish in their faith!


Children and youth at North Decatur are actively involved in worship, have age-appropriate Sunday School classes, and engage in fun events and activities through the year.

Sundays With Kids at north decatur

We hope you will make it a priority to bring your children to church, as the relationships your children form and the things they learn will be invaluable to them as they “try on” faith for themselves.



CHILDREN IN WORSHIP


Children of all ages are always welcome in both worship services. In fact, children are actively involved in leading worship! 


During The Table at 9:00, children are invited to the front during the Songs of Welcome to dance, sing and play instruments. Following the first reading, children gather at the back of the sanctuary with our Children’s Staff for a time of quiet worship-centered play and creation. During this time they will create a beautiful tablecloth for the communion table.  Children return to their families for Communion and remainder of the service.


During 11:00 Traditions, children open the service by processing with LED candles to the altar. They are always welcome to stay for the entire worship service, but we do have nursery care for children aged 3 and younger, and for all other children a time of biblical play and activity with Children's Ministry staff in the KidZone room.



SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN


At 10:00 am, little ones are in Sunday School, nursery, even a few newborns hanging out with their parents in the Faithful Families class. More information on our Sunday School classes for parents can be found here.


We offer three amazing places for your little ones to grow in their faith:


Babies and Wobblers (infant-1’s)

Jessica Martin and Danya Maloon provide a loving, Christian environment that is safe, secure, and clean. This is a class full of smiles, songs, crafts, as well a loving place to play, nap, and cuddle. Nursery care is offered during both Worship Services and during Sunday School Classes. It is a blessing to care for your “little one” because we believe that children are a gift from God.


Toddlers and Threes (2-3)

This class is full of action! In four week units, they study well known stories, using the Deep Blue Curriculum. The children explore each theme, in a variety of different learning styles: play, storytelling, crafts, music, and more. Full time teacher Sara Jones provides a loving and structured environment for these growing little ones.


Rotation Station: (ages 4-6th grade)

Children take an in-depth look at a specific story in 7 week units. Each week they explore this story in new and different ways using different learning styles. The classes include Art, Games, Science, Drama, Cooking, Missions, and Spiritual Practices. Each child will become an expert in the story in their own way. This class is movement based, and multi-level learning at its finest!


Baptism

At North Decatur UMC, we take seriously the responsibility to baptize infants and children into the faith, as we experience the grace that comes from God and find ourselves welcomed into the family of God. If you have children who have not been baptized (or if you have not been baptized yourself!), reach out to Senior Pastor, Rev. Dalton Rushing.

Children's Ministries staff

Our experienced staff are passionate about providing a fun, safe and loving environment for our children of all ages to grow in their faith. Click here for more information on all our staff, or click their pictures to contact them.

  • Gyllian Bell

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  • Christina Schmitt

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