HELLO SOUTHMINSTER CHILDREN!

Children’s Time will be the 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at 9:30 am. 
Our next Children’s Time will be on August 2nd at 9:30 am.
We hope to see you there!

Last week’s activity was STARGAZING. 

Did any of you happen to see the comet Neowise? My family and I drove to Hillsboro to see it. It was beautiful! If you happen to have any pictures of you and your family capturing Neowise please share them with us!

CHILDREN’S GARDEN UPDATE

Miss Denise has been sure to water the garden every day!  It sure has been hot and we need to make sure that our garden is getting plenty to drink!

This week’s activity: FLOWER PAINTING!

Supplies:

  • Table covering
  • Heavy paper (watercolor or cardstock)
  • Paint
  • Paper plate
  • Fresh flowers

Squeeze blobs of paint onto the paper plate, leaving plenty of room to press the flowers down into the paint. Now it’s time for flower painting fun! You are essentially replacing your paint brush with a fresh flower, so dip the flower into the paint, then gently press onto your paper.

Experiment with mixing paint colors and using differently shaped flowers as you cover your paper with flower prints.

Don’t worry if petals or other parts of the flowers get stuck in the paint—that just adds fabulous texture! Show your child how to twirl the flower back and forth in a circular motion to create a different type of mark. Younger children may also enjoy brushing the flower across the page just like they would with a paint brush.

Once your masterpiece is complete, set aside to dry.

Children’s Ministries

Meet our Staff

DENISE ACKERMAN

Ms. Denise is the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries and oversees that children’s program. With a master’s degree is in elementary education and early childhood education, she has worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 15 years. Ms. Denise enjoys reading, coloring, and cooking.

KIMBERLY STRINE

Ms. Kim oversees the nursery program and is the children’s event coordinator.
With a bachelor’s degree in child development and early childhood education,
she has worked in the field for more than 15 years. 

Ms. Kim grew up in Ohio and enjoys going to the beach with her family and kickboxing.

Southminster is currently closed and holding all gatherings virtually. The information below is for our in-person worship when we resume at a date to be announced. To join our children’s ministries mailing list, please contact Denise or Kim.

Nursery & Early Childhood

Infants and preschoolers are cared for on Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:15 am by a certified teacher.

Our youngest children are cared for in a warm and loving environment nested within the preschool wing of our building.

Parents are welcome to linger and join us for whatever time feels comfortable. Parents may leave items that can assist the adult in making the time soothing, safe and enjoyable for their child (e.g. diapers, bottle, favorite toy or blanket).

Elementary (Godly Play)

Children Kindergarten-4th grade begin worship with their parents at 10:00 am.

After the Time with Children with one of our pastors or Children’s Ministry Coordinator, the children are dismissed to go with Staff and volunteers to Godly Play. Our Children’s ministry director will then present a lesson through story time and music. Children will have an opportunity to interact with story, for example with finger puppets or characters, artistic expression or hands-on centers. Snacks are often provided.

Our Southminster Sunday School Expectations

We are so happy to see the children attending Sunday school, interacting with each other and learning about virtues, morals, and stories of God’s Love. We provide care and education each Sunday! We plan and prepare lessons and encourage ideas and input from the children. We love to hear about all experiences from the children and assist and guide them in their beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about the world around them!!

  • We expect the children to walk with us to the Sunday school rooms after enjoying ‘Time With Children’ in the sanctuary, and staying at Sunday School until parents come to pick them up.
  • We will provide a cookie snack to nibble on while in Sunday school. Please let us know if your child has a food allergy and we will be mindful of choosing snacks accordingly.
  • We encourage all children to join us each Sunday for stories, crafts, games, and conversation!  

Parents and Volunteers

Our work with children relies on help from our parents and volunteers in the church community. In addition to assisting our dedicated teachers, we believe it is important for parents and church members to get acquainted with various aspects of our church life. It is good for parents to develop a relationship with their children’s teachers as well as understand how their child experiences the Sunday morning learning hour. Likewise, it is good for congregants who do not have children to become a relational support system for our children as they grow within our church community.

Volunteers are needed each week. Volunteers do not need to prepare lessons or teach lessons; instead, they are there to support the teacher and children with various aspects of the activities.

Thank you for joining us at the Southminster youth program! We will continue to update our upcoming Events and Activities in the emailed newsletter and on the Children’s bulletin boards.