Panther Springs United Methodist Church

Children’s Ministry

Panther Springs United Methodist Church is a community of faith that is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Our goal is to provide opportunities for children and their families to KNOW Christ as Lord and Savior, to GROW in their faith and love of Christ as a part of the body of Christ, and GO live lives that share that faith and love of Christ with the world. To accomplish this goal, we offer Biblical preaching, inspired music, small group studies, mission and fellowship opportunities.

Some of the opportunities offered by the children’s ministry team are (but not limited to); vacation Bible school, a fall festival, breakfast with Santa, a children’s Christmas cantata, an Easter egg hunt, Operation Christmas Child, making and sending cards to homebound.

The children’s ministries team stays very busy at Panther Springs United Methodist Church on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. During Sunday worship we have an opportunity for children of all ages to come forward and interact with the minister and/or trained leaders in an abbreviated message, usually based on the sermon topic for that week. Children from birth through preschool may be taken to the nursery area immediately following this time. A team will welcome the children and have an activity prepared for them. Children five and older are encouraged to remain in the sanctuary for the full worship service. They will be provided with a worship wiggle bag. Please leave the bags in the pews at the end of worship. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend all activities at Panther Springs UMC.

Wednesday evening activities begin at 6:15pm with children’s choir, under the direction of Kelley Harold and Kate Harper. Following choir until 7:30pm, grades 1-5 gather in the Junior Youth room with Robbie Roark and a volunteer for a time of Christian instruction and fellowship.

Panther Springs UMC abides by a “Safe Sanctuaries” policy, mandated by the United Methodist Church. This policy is to protect the children and vulnerable adults that are a part of the congregation and community.

The safe sanctuaries policy highlights are:

• All employees and volunteers will have a criminal background check, all volunteers will be affiliated with the church for 6 months prior to a leadership position.

• When possible there will be 2 adults present during ministry events, if 2 leaders are not possible, there will be an individual roaming the halls to check in on the activities taking place.

• Children are to be signed in and out of an event.

We will observe the 4 year rule: volunteers and assistants will be 4 years older than those they are supervising.