HELLO SOUTHMINSTER CHILDREN!

Children’s Time will be the 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at 9:30 am. 

We would love to see more of YOU during our children’s time! If there is a day or time that works better for you and your family please email Kim and let her know. We would be more than happy to accommodate you and your family! Please email the days and times that work best for your family to: kim_220022@yahoo.com

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: ICE BLOCK TREASURE HUNT

Materials:

  • plastic container or bowl
  • water
  • small toys: plastic animals or dinosaurs, tops, rubber balls, rocks, shells, coins (for older children), etc
  • optional: ice cube tray, food coloring and water to make colored ice
  • warm water, spray bottles, paintbrushes, salt, a hammer –anything that you or your child may think of that could be used to get the toys out of the ice block

What to do:

  • Fill the plastic container with about an inch of water. Add three or four toys and some colored ice cubes and freeze.
  • When the first layer is frozen solid, add more water and a few more toys and ice cubes. Repeat this process until your container is full and you have a solid block of ice. It may take a couple of days to create your ice block.
  • Remove the ice block from the plastic container.
  • Give the kids some of the supplies for excavating the toys from the ice. I started by giving them spray bottles, paintbrushes, spoons, and water. I waited a while to give them the salt and saved the hammer for last. Have your child wear sunglasses or protective goggles.
  • Let your kids have fun exploring and experimenting with the ice block and tools. They’ll enjoy the process of discovering and digging out their treasures.

Take extra care if you choose to allow your children to use a hammer, especially if you are doing this project with more than one child. Also there’s a chance that some of the small toys could get broken, so be sure to use toys that you and your child won’t miss. Happy exploring!

Children’s Ministries

Meet our Staff

DENISE ACKERMAN

Ms. Denise is the Family Life Coordinator for Children’s Ministries. 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 joined the Southminster family in June 2018. She has worn many hats in the church such as Nursery Supervisor, Event Coordinator, Family Life Coordinator as well as being a part of the Community Life Committee. Miss Kim has worked in the early childhood field for more than 17 years. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.  She has recently started working towards a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Educational Leadership.

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.