CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Growing in the story of God’s love
Every Sunday at 9:30 & 11 a.m.
East Wing near the playground.
Welcome!
It is our hope that children at AHUMC will come to understand how much they are loved by our Heavenly Father, that they are part of God’s big story, and that they are an important and beloved part of our church family.
VBS 2020 ~ August 3-6 (Mon-Thurs)
Knights of North Castle: Quest for the King’s Armor invites children to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power! Kids will take on the role of brave Knights and begin their quest each session by opening the King’s Book. They’ll explore Old and New Testament stories and discover different pieces of protective armor—the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Justice, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation—at work in the lives of familiar Bible characters, and explore how that armor works in their own lives as they follow and serve God. Help kids take up the gauntlet and accept the challenge to “armor up” and be strong by remaining with God!
As with everything else, our VBS will look a little different this year. Although we can't be together in person, we can still have some fun! This year's VBS will be a 4 day BACKYARD VBS! Families can pick up a bag of supplies from the church & then host their own VBS in their own backyard! You can invite your friends & neighbors to join you (depending on what social distancing looks like at that point). We'll start each day with online morning worship @ 9:00 am and then send you out to enjoy all the activities.
Registration opens June 1!
Click HERE for a link to register.
* Registration will close July 15.
Kids Connect
Our next Kids Connect will be in the Fall.
Check back here for dates!
One Friday night a month, elementary students (1st-5th) are invited to connect with one another and with God. We'll have pizza, a short devotional, provide opportunities for kids to reflect and ask questions, and participate in fun activities & games. Don't forget to invite a friend! The cost will be $10 per child. We will need a few parents to help with check in, activities, dinner, etc.
Children's Ministry Team
Gina Beal, Director of Children's Ministry
Monica Sanchez,
Children's Ministry Assistant
Dana Hawkes, Childcare Coordinator
Children's Ministries
Nursery
Preschool
Elementary
Childcare
Children's Ministries
KidCheck is a secure children's check-in system that enhances AHUMC's security system and simplifies the check-in process. KidCheck helps ensure no one can pick up your child without your consent.
Children's Ministries requires ALL children—nursery through 5th grades—to check-in through KidCheck. It is important you create your account before you arrive to church. Go to go.kidcheck.com, select "Create Your KidCheck Account" and follow the on-screen prompts. You can also download the KidCheck Mobile Check-In App to create, manage, & update your account right on your phone.
These videos are available for your information and assistance:
KidCheck Intro Video
KidCheck Account Setup
KidCheck Express Check-In
Be a part of one of our Teaching Teams!
Would you like to be a part of one of our Teaching Teams? Our goal is to have teams of at least 6, so that leaders are able to teach as often as they want but also have the flexibility to teach once a month if that works better for your family. Please let us know if you have questions about being a part of a Teaching Team!
The AHUMC and Rio Texas Conference have partnered with Safe Gatherings to screen and train volunteers who work with the ministries who serve our children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Both the background checks and trainings are thorough and include best practices to keep our kids and vulnerable adults safe.
Map of Children's Check-in
Nursery
3 Months – 23 Months
What you can expect in the nursery program
Available starting at 8:15-noon
Our purpose on Sunday mornings for nursery age children is to provide a safe and loving environment for you and your child. We believe your child is a gift from God - so we provide the best care possible. We also believe that it is never too early to teach a child about God's love. We believe that we represent Christ to each little one in our care, and want to lay a foundation for your child not only to trust us, but also to trust in God.
Drop-off & Pick-up
To drop off your child for Sunday School, you must register/check-in your child with KidCheck. Once you're checked in, drop off your child in their classroom. Hold on to your guardian receipt, it is required for pick-up!
Health Policy
In order to insure that we have a well-baby Nursery, we cannot accept a child with a runny nose, fresh cold (4 days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea or any other signs of illness. Please do not place your child in the Nursery while they are at risk of exposing other children. Thank you in advance for helping us keep our Nursery a healthy place for all.
Snacks
Snacks are provided for the children once they graduate to the Toddler Classroom. The food items consist of water, cheerios, animal crackers or goldfish for our Toddlers and Cruisers. If your child has allergies or is not allowed snacks please inform the childcare workers.
What's Expected of you?
- Do not leave the church campus while your child is in the nursery.
- When packing a diaper bag for your child, include 2 or 3 disposable diapers.
- Include a pacifier or other item, should your child need it for security.
- A change of clothes in case your child would require that.
- A bottle of milk, formula, juice or water. (Good practice even for moms who nurse.)
- Label diaper bag with child's name. Label bottles & pacifiers.
- Do not leave personal belongings in the diaper bag (only baby's essentials).
- Feel free to check on your child at any time he/she is in our care.
- Check your child into the system. Please include your cell phone number(s) and keep phones on vibrate where you can feel them.
Preschool
Sunday School
God's Word for a kid's world
Families are equipped with Big Picture Cards that briefly explain what we will be teaching each unit. Our hope is that families will find a little time to talk about the Bible story and scripture for the upcoming Sunday. Each Big Picture Card will have the scripture, Bible story, Christ Connection, and questions for families to ask their kids to help them engage in spiritual discussions. Sunday Mornings 9:30 & 11 a.m. in the East Wing.
Drop-off & Pick-up
To drop off your child for Sunday School, you must register/check-in your child with KidCheck. Once you're checked in, drop off your child in their classroom. Hold on to your guardian receipt, it is required for pick-up!
What's Expected of You
If your child is potty training or freshly potty trained, please be sure to pack a bag for your child with an extra change of clothes in case of an accident.
Snacks
Snacks are provided for the children. It typically consists of water, Cheerios, animal crackers or goldfish. If your child has allergies or is not allowed snacks, please inform the childcare workers.
Health Policy
In order to ensure the health of all children, we cannot accept a child with a runny nose, fresh cold (4 days or less), fever, rash, persistent cough, diarrhea or any other signs of illness. Please do not place bring your child while they are at risk of exposing other children. Thank you in advance for helping us keep our preschool a healthy place for all.
Elementary
Elementary Sunday School
A place to grow for children 1st–5th grades
Sunday mornings at 9:30 am & 11 a.m. in the East Wing
Our elementary kids journey through the Bible each week by participating in praise and worship, hearing God’s word and then engaging in activities that help them find their place in God’s story as they learn how much God loves them and how to love others.
Drop-off & Pick-up
To drop off your child for Sunday School, you must register/check-in your child with KidCheck. Once you're checked in, drop off your child in their classroom.. Hold on to your guardian receipt, it is required for pick-up!
Events
Over the course of the year, we provide many opportunities for children to have fun and make new friends, as well as opportunities for families to have fun together! Some of our events include VBS, Harvest Festival, Journey to the Cross, Wacky Wednesdays, Children’s Christmas Eve Service, Kids Connect, and Family Movie Nights. Be sure to join our email list to keep up-to-date on events throughout the year!
Childcare
On-site Childcare
Mornings: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Evenings: Wednesdays & Fridays, 6-9 p.m.
AHUMC offers childcare for Bible studies, classes or groups who are meeting on campus for children up to age 11. Guardians must remain on campus while using childcare. The purpose of childcare is to provide a safe and loving environment for you and your child. We believe your child is a gift from God - so we provide the best care possible. We also believe that it is never too early to teach a child about God's love. We believe that we represent Christ to each little one in our care, and want to lay a foundation for your child not only to trust us, but also to trust in God.
Childcare Availability
Childcare is available for your convenience while you attend events during the times listed above. Special events childcare may be available for days and times not listed. Fill out the form for more information.
Health Policies
In order to insure the safety and health of other babies and workers, please refrain from bringing your child if he/she has had any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours.
- DIARRHEA - VOMITING - FEVER
- RASH - OPEN SORES
- RUNNY NOSES (ANYTHING BUT CLEAR)
Drop-off & Pick-up
To drop off your child for childcare, you must register/check-in your child with KidCheck. Once you're checked in, drop off your child in their classroom. Hold on to your guardian receipt, it is required for pick-up!
What's Expected of you?
- Make a reservation for your child at least 48 hours in advance.
- Please cancel your reservation if your child will not be here.
- Check in via KidCheck once you arrive.
- Do not leave the church campus while your child is in childcare.
- Label diaper bag with child's name. Label bottles & pacifiers.
- Do not leave your personal belongings in diaper bag (ex: keys, wallet, etc. - only baby's "essentials.")
- Please be prompt when picking up your child. Your sensitivity to start and finish times of childcare is appreciated!!