Encouraging Real Kids to become Real Followers of Jesus Christ.
From Sunday School to Vacation Bible School, from book clubs to pool parties, from musical productions to blessing backpacks, Lakewood's programs for kids are the best around. Learn more below.
Education
Our Sunday School happens at 10 am for ages pre-K through 5th grade. We offer an age-appropriate curriculum that encourages faith development and promotes awareness of the scripture as well as God's truth and promises for children of all ages. Our topics are carefully chosen to be fun and engaging! We have nurseries for the little ones, staffed with fully qualified teachers.
We encourage families to worship together. Each service includes a few minutes of "children's time," where they receive a special message. However, if your child needs another option we have childcare available during our 9 and 11 am worship services.
Club 56 is for our fifth and sixth graders. This is a Sunday School and small group opportunity for our older children. We use book studies, in-depth discussions, and fun games to help these kids dig deeper into God's word and its applications in their lives. Our sixth-graders use this meeting time for preparing for their confirmations which occur each spring.
Programs and Events and Fun!
We have a wonderful children's drama ministry that puts on a special musical production each year, as well as a special program for both Children’s Sabbath (usually in October) and an Advent or Christmas pageant.
We have ongoing summer activities such as outdoor excursions, pool parties, crazy food nights and other fun opportunities for fellowship.
There are many special Sundays that are focused on children, like Blessing of the Backpacks and Third-Grade Bible Presentation Sunday, as well as major events like Vacation Bible School, our annual Fall Festival, and our EGG-Stravaganza event on Palm Sunday.
And if that's not enough, there are periodic outings to places like Starbucks for our book club!
For Parents
Our Director of Children's Ministry, Jill Dillman is a skilled and experienced teacher and mother. She was raised in our church and has a profound love for Lakewood children and our church.
She and our entire paid and volunteer staff are Safe Gatherings-certified. Your child's safety and well-being is our utmost concern. All programs we offer meet or exceed state and UMC care and safety requirements.
Our facilities are large, clean, and well-equipped. Our Sunday school area includes a real theater, attractive kitchen and snack area, an art room and play areas in addition to our outdoor playground. We also have a Sensory Room, located close to Wesley Hall, which can be used to help children with special needs when they become over-stimulated or when they simply need time out to decompress or re-set. This has been a wonderful addition to our ministry! Come and take a tour of our facilities! You will find them clean, safe, and amply-equipped for the many activities we offer children at Lakewood UMC.
Resources for parents: Click here to download/print Bible Presentation form. (Due on September 10, 2023. Bibles will be presented on Sunday, October 15.