Children
Children at each development level can experience the love of God found in Christ. Our programs teach your children the truth about God, engage them in ways that help them discover Jesus, and empower them to reflect God's character in the world around them.
Racial Reconciliation Resources
We have compiled some ways to educate yourself, then teach your children
Listen
Why You Need to Talk About Race With Your Kids (Podcast)
Latasha Morrison, the founder of Be The Bridge, says reconciliation in a racially divided country begins with conversations at home. In this episode, she’ll share how you can start equipping your children to start the work of racial unity.
Summer Camp Information Updated May 15, 2020:
VBS-at-home experience July 13-17th, 2020
Register Here
Our 5 day experience blends technology and hands-on learning to maximize your families VBS-at-home experience at any time of the day beginning Monday July, 13, 2020.
Each day of VBS our amazing St. Andrew tech team will be bringing your favorite VBS personalities to your home though our website.
- Sing and Play Express: Prepare for the day’s adventure by singing fun songs and meeting adventurous Bible Memory Buddies.
- Bible Adventures: Experience the Bible Story in your own home and using your Bible Book.
- Imagination Station: Dig into surprising and authentic discoveries using your hands on learning kit.
- Sing & Play Music: Join Ms. Sarah and friends as she teaches rhythms, words and motions some of our great songs.
- Kid Vid Cinema: Hear about a real kid living out their faith in really cool way each day.
Even though we can’t be face to face, each participant will receive their very own Rocky Railway Hands on Learning Kit that contains everything they will need to have a safe experience.
Each Kit Includes:
- Rocky Railway Participant T-Shirt
- Music Download with 10 amazing songs
- Tracking with Jesus Bible Book or Little Kids Bible Pack (preschool)
- 5 Bible Memory Buddies with carabiner clip
- 5 Imagination Station Gizmos
Do you have a rising 5th grader? We are excited to offer additional material for our VBXers this year to bring them an engaging mission component to their experience! More information will be announced soon.
Do you have a preschooler that wants to be included? We have created a preschool pack just for them. Their hands on kit will include:
- A Little Kids Bible Pack in place of the Tracking with Jesus Bible Book
- 2 preschool friendly Imagination Station Gizmos (different than elementary).
If you have already registered for VBS, great! You do not need to re-register for this new blended experience. However, we understand that the change of dates will also change your availability for a camp, please cancel your registration in realm and we will refund your registration by June 8, 2020. If you do not submit cancel by that time and are not able to attend the July date we will add it as a donation to VBS.
If you would like to register ($35 per child, until we run out of at home kits) you can click here.
Science Camp, St. Andrew Fine Arts Camp, and Summer Fun Days have been discontinued for summer 2020.
- Refunds will be automatic and sent back to the form that it was received within the next 30 days.
Even though we are not able to meet with the children in person, we are so excited to do so “virtually”.
Home Resources:
Parent Cue Guides
Easy-to-use guides with fun activities and discussion prompts, so families can review the video presentations and talk about what to do with what they’ve learned. June
Elementary God Time Cards
Devotionals kids can do that will reinforce the content in the weekly video presentations. June
Preschool Place Mats
This printable placemat is designed to sit on the table all month long. These give parents easy access to this month’s bottom line as well as questions to ask each week and hand motions to the Bible verse. June
Please make sure that you like or subscribe to the following social media channels so that we can stay connected.
Check out our Early Childhood Large Group Live on Facebook, 9:00 am Sundays
Check out our Elementary Large Group Live on Facebook, 10:30 am Sundays
Facebook
@StAndrewChildren
Instagram
@saumc_children
YouTube
Subscribe here!
Good Morning and Good Night Friends
Good Morning Friends, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. | Join us for a Children’s Moment with Ms. Rachel
Good Night Friends, Monday - Friday at 5:30 p.m. | Join us for a Children’s Story read by members of our Children’s Team
Please let us know how we can help you during this time. We are available by phone, FaceTime, or email.
Rachel Kortum
Children’s Ministry Director
Cell | 404-345-9751
rkortum@standrewumc.org
We are dedicated to taking great care of your children and ensuring they experience God's love at St. Andrew.
Stories
Camp Bridgeport
Children experience the love of God and friendship at the annual Camp Bridgeport. Shaving cream battles, sunset worship, Lip-Sync-A-Palooza, and small group discussions make every year unforgettable.
Family Testimony
The Wonsmos family has faced trials that some families may never see in a lifetime. Let them tell you about the impact of their church family – and hear 2-year-old Lila talk about all her favorite St. Andrew teachers!
We've curated the songs played in the halls of our Children's department, with tunes from this summer's VBS as well as other popular children's recordings. We hope this playlist helps extend worship throughout the week for your family!
Small Groups
Room Assignments for Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Newborn-PreK | Room 10
Kindergarten-5th Grade begin in the worship service with their parents, then are dismissed during the service to Room 126.
Our children’s ministry runs concurrently with our worship services. For the safety of your child we ask that each child gets a name tag at a check-in station. For new families there is a check-in station on the main level. A smiling greeter in a blue t-shirt will be happy to help you.
Ministry
Even the youngest child will experience God’s love through our caring, safe and nurturing environment. The three primary concepts we want kids in Early Childhood Ministry to know are:
God made me.
God loves me.
Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Staff Contact: Children's Ministry Team, 214-291-8042
Elementary Programming at St. Andrew has three components, each targeted to a particular type of learning and relational environment:
Social Time: Providing Time for Fun Interaction
Social Time is designed to introduce children to the day’s topic in a setting that gives them individualized attention from their Small Group Leaders and plenty of interaction with a small group of peers.
Large Group: Communicating God's Truth in Engaging Ways
Large Group is designed to engage children in worship in a large group setting. Storytelling, prayer, and an innovative approach to the Bible story are always a part of this interactive time.
Small Groups: Creating a Safe Place to Connect
Small Groups are designed to help kids understand how the day’s topic applies to them. They’ll discuss real-life experiences, interact with a close-knit group of peers, and participate in a variety of activities that appeal to different learning styles. Life application and memory verse activities, as well as prayer, are always a part of this hands-on time.
Staff Contact: Rachel Kortum, 214-291-8098
March | Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
April | Easter Festival
May | Preview Sunday
June | Promotion Sunday, Vacation Bible School
July | Camp Bridgeport, Science Camp
August | Back to School Sunday
September | 3rd Grade Bible Presentation
October | Fall Festival
December | Family Advent Celebration, Family Christmas Eve Service
Choirs
We offer three Children's Choirs for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade: Kindergarten, Alpha (1st and 2nd grade) and Omega (3rd, 4th and 5th grade). Visit the music page to learn more!
Choir Info
Coming Up Soon
Daily prompts and activities, June 8-August 8
Faith at Home helps guide families with daily, age-appropriate activities aligning with our "The Good News of Matthew" sermon series.
Activity packages on sale now; materials run through July 27
Engage and unplug your children with fun, hands-on activities using no internet and no computer.
Thank you for your faithfulness and participation in our church family as we navigate this unique challenge.
Childcare
We offer childcare to families during events, Bible studies, meetings, and classes. This ministry is designed to bless you and allow you to serve and get connected in the life of St. Andrew.
Parents attending a St. Andrew event must make a reservation for each child. If you have questions, please email the Children's Ministry Team or call 214-291-8024.
Follow the link to make the childcare reservation for each child.
Gary's Angels | Special Needs Ministry
Gary’s Angels seeks to embrace families of children with special needs so that they can fully participate in the life of the church.
You may contact the Children's Ministry Team or call 214-291-8024 for information on enrolling your child in Gary’s Angels or for questions regarding volunteer opportunities.
Family members can feel comfortable participating in their own Sunday School classes and worship in the Sanctuary. Staff and trained volunteers provide an interactive Sunday School program for their children with special needs.
Gary’s Angels is offered every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Sunday School Curriculum is prepared specifically to meet the needs of our special students. A variety of sensory activities keep children interested in God’s Word. A “quiet” room is set up for children needing limited stimulation.
A trained volunteer, “Buddy”, will be assigned to work with your child either in a regular Sunday School classroom, or in one of two classrooms specifically designed for our special students.
The Gary’s Angels ministry is dedicated to the memory of Gary Arnold. Gary and his wife Jennifer were instrumental in bringing this ministry to our church. Gary’s passion for life and his dedication to God and his family continue to inspire us.
Preschool
St. Andrew Preschool helps children grow in Christ by providing age appropriate opportunities through worship, learning, loving, serving and inviting. These opportunities are cognitively stimulating and spiritually nurturing in a safe and nurturing environment.
Just a few of St. Andrew Preschool's yearly events:
Art Gala • Fall Festival • Farm Day • Bottle Rockets Day
• Various guest instructors including professional artists, cultural educators, and storytellers
Learn more