Church Buddies is Back!

What is it? A program that pairs church members with elementary-school-aged children (G. K-5) to provide opportunities for intergenerational connection and foster an atmosphere of community.

How does it work? School-aged children from our congregation are matched with church members.  Each child will be paired with an adult of the same gender.  After a short “meet and greet” in September (after service), volunteers are simply asked to take 5 minutes if they see their buddy on Sunday to ask about their week, tell a joke, give a high-five…anything that creates a sense of belonging for our children.

How do I Sign Up? Sign up with Children’s Ministry Director Denise Ackerman. The Meet and Greet Session will be held after church in September 2019. Adults and Kids will be matched up at that time and will spend about 15-20 minutes getting to know one another.

The Fine Print: Volunteers should never be alone with a child or take them on outings. Parent approval is always required.

Children’s Ministries

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.

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.