Family Ministry Programming
Families, youth, and children are always welcome at Glendale UMC. Family ministry programming at Glendale is here to help support families in providing spiritual support, youth and children faith formation, and as an inclusive community during Sunday Worship, Wednesday evening programing, and special events.
*Please note, every adult who works with children and youth receives safety training and a background check to ensure safety.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
-Matthew 19:14 NIV-
CHILDREN
Children in Worship: Children and families are always welcome to worship! We moved our worship time to 10a on Sundays to make it easier for families to make it to service (It’s okay if you still get there late; we are just glad you are there!). During Sunday worship, Glendale has options for families for whatever suits your family best:
Activity tables and Wiggle Bags: We have children’s activity tables on each side of the worship space with books, coloring, puzzles, and other activities. Children are encouraged to use these areas for quiet play at any and all times during the service. Wiggle bags are also available for children who are wanting to stay with their parents/caregivers but would like activities to keep them engaged in quiet fun during the service.
Nursery: Each Sunday a nursery is available for children age 5 and under. Every adult who works with children receives safety training and a background check.
Children’s Moment: Each week, the worship time includes a special “Children’s Time” with a conversation or activity specifically designed for children.
Children’s Church: After the Children’s Moment, our Children and Family Ministry Coordinator will take the children who want to join to Children’s Church to a fun faith related activity and projects.
Thrive: Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm during the school year - A meal is always served followed by Children and Youth education. We’re dedicated to creating a space where children and youth can truly belong, have fun, and grow in their faith. For children, we’ll sing, learn about Jesus, make new friends, and strengthen existing ones. For teens, we offer a supportive environment where you can connect with peers and deepen your faith.
YOUTH
Youth in Worship: Teens and preteens are also always welcome to join us in worship on Sunday mornings. We are working on creating spaces for youth to feel welcomed and supported. We hope to add fidgets, puzzles, other youth activities in the sanctuary to engage in while still hearing the message. Youth are also welcomed to volunteer to be acolytes or help out in other ways. They are welcome to join during the children’s moment as well.
Sunday/Funday: We have at least monthly fun events/activities for youth grades 6th-12th + college age to join in on fun and fellowship - typically in the evening hours. This is a safe space for all youth with curated activities, fellowship, and of course, food! Feel free to invite a friend/ Some activities we have had in the past are games, a movie, bonfires, arts/crafts, etc. (*As Glendale grows, we hope that we will have enough youth, young adults, and adult volunteers to break this into two groups with more condensed age ranges, but until then, we will join 6th grade through college together.)
Thrive: Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm during the school year - A meal is always served followed by Children and Youth education. We’re dedicated to creating a space where children and youth can truly belong, have fun, and grow in their faith. For children, we’ll sing, learn about Jesus, make new friends, and strengthen existing ones. For teens, we offer a supportive environment where you can connect with peers and deepen your faith.
Confirmation: Youth that are ready to learn more about the United Methodist Church and explore their faith beliefs are welcomed to join in on conversation. Every few years a new group starts. Confirmation classes will explore what it means to be a Christian, what United Methodists believe and stand for, and who we are at Glendale. Youth will engage in exploring their faith beliefs and values through discussions, questions, activities, and other learning experiences.