Children

Our early childhood and elementary-age programming facilitates opportunities for children to participate in stories, songs, and crafts that introduce them to God’s amazing love in a gentle, age-appropriate setting.

Sunday Programs

Sundays, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Each Sunday service begins with an all-church intergenerational praise and worship time. Following singing, parents are invited to bring their toddlers and preschoolers to the nursery. At the same time, children 4 years – 5th grade will be guided to the Children’s Village for Children’s Church (except on the 1st Sunday of the month, when we celebrate All Church Worship).

Toddler Care

Crawlers and Toddlers | Nursery  (Main Level)

Sundays, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Children who can crawl or walk, but are not yet 2 ½ years old (30 months), are invited to play with toys, have a snack, sing songs and participate in a story time.

Pre-School Church

21/2 (30mo) – 3 years old  | Nursery (Main Level)

Sundays, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Children are invited to explore stories from the Spark! Storybook Bible, participate in related crafts and songs, eat a snack and play.

Pre-K Children’s Church

4 years old – Kindergarten  | Children’s Village (Lower Level)

Sundays, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Children are invited into an active, hands-on, kid-sized worship service that includes songs, stories, prayer, offering, and crafts.

Children's Church

1st – 5th Graders | Children’s Village  (Lower Level)

Sundays, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Kids are invited to draw closer to God through Bible stories taught in an engaging and interactive large-group format. We memorize verses, participate in an offering and prayer, then break into small groups to review lessons through games, activities, and crafts in a safe and loving environment.

All Church Worship

4 years – 5th grade | Sanctuary (Main Level)

First Sunday of each month, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Children aged 4 years through 5th grade remain in the sanctuary for an intergenerational, family-friendly service that includes a children’s sermon, communion, and activity bags. Toddler Care and Preschool Church are available for crawlers – 3 yrs.

Weekday Programs

Wednesday Night Club Push

4 Years – 5th Grade | Children’s Village (Lower Level)

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (on hold during January 2020! Check back soon!)

Children are welcomed to a fun and engaging environment to learn God’s important truths and promises. Activities include games, crafts, science experiments and dramas all in a safe and loving space.

Glory Bes Children's Choir

1st – 5th grade | Chor Room (Upper Level)

Wednesdays, 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. 

The Glory Bes Children’s Choir practices once a week and helps to lead worship on Sundays once a month. All children ages 1st – 5th grade who love singing are invited to learn about God through musical expression. Practices are fun, engaging and upbeat.

Bible Foundation Classes

Bible Foundation classes are age-specific for children to explore important aspects of a Christian life.  Topics include:

  • Welcome to the Church
  • Heart of a Servant
  • Why Do I Need a Savior?
  • What is Worship?

Bible Foundation Classes dates and times coming soon.

Milestone Classes

Throughout the year, classes are offered to parents and children (K-5th grade). These classes are family friendly with engaging activities to teach kids the history, meaning, and importance of baptism, communion, the Bible. Graduates of the class will be involved with communion and/or baptism in a following Sunday service. Park Avenue UMC asks parents to discern whether or not their child is ready to participate.

Milestone Classes dates and times coming soon.

Summer Programs

Vacation Bible School

4 Years – entering 5th Grade

One month in the summer
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – noon

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a much loved annual event providing a colorful backdrop to share stories and activities that teach Christ’s love. 

VBS is held one week each summer. Programming is overseen by our Children’s Director and run by an intergenerational group of volunteers from the Park Avenue church community.

2020 VBS dates coming soon.

Summer Camp

Entering 4th grade – 12th grade  | Clearwater Forest

Each summer students can attend a week of camp at Clearwater Forest. Each session is rich in outdoor activities and engaging spiritual formation. From learning to paddle a kayak to completing the high ropes course to journaling in a hammock, camp provides an environment that helps campers stretch and grow in a safe Christian community.

Park Avenue sends our youth off to camp as a group and with a staff member or parent volunteer who stays at camp the entire week to support our kids as needed. We also provide transportation to and from camp and scholarships to help with registration.  

2020 Summer Camp dates coming soon.

Freedom School

Freedom School is a free reading program that serves up to 50 scholars, each summer, in our community. Scholars work on literacy and reading skills in an engaging day camp setting with energetic teachers and special community guests. Freedom School is made possible by the Park Avenue Youth & Family Services Children’s Defense Fund and private donations.

2020 Freedom School dates coming soon.