Children's Ministry

Sunday School is a time for children to learn the teachings of Jesus. Sunday School helps to impart values through Biblical lessons. Many young children struggle to understand the word of God when it is taught during regular services. We have teachers in place to help make the message understandable for younger children. Our Sunday School classes are divided into specific age levels so that the children learn according to their age and educational level, so they can get a better understanding of what is being taught.

Sunday School is also an important part of the socializing process as it can help members, especially those children new to the church, get to know one another. Life can be hectic, and if you find it challenging just to make it to church, you might not be even able to think about getting your children to Sunday School. However, it's great to have the support of the church as you teach your children the truth of scripture.

Here are a few reasons why Sunday School is so important.

1. Learn About God
When your children go to Sunday School, they will find the age-appropriate Bible teaching that their young minds are so eager to absorb. Their teachers can shape the lessons to meet the comprehension level and interests of any age. Many Sunday School teachers will incorporate fun activities, like crafts and skits, into the lessons so your children will be able to remember them.

2. Find Mentors
Parenting is tough, but when you have Sunday School teachers working to mentor your children, they can provide another source of guidance. The church is a community where everyone helps their neighbors. When you take your children to Sunday School, you can rest assured you have qualified help with their spiritual education.

3. Make Friends
If you want your children to make more friends, Sunday School is a great place to find them. As they learn and play together on Sunday mornings, they will be able to form healthy friendships with children whose parents have the same priorities as you.

4. Form Good Habits
If you start consistently taking your kids to church when they're young, they will forever learn the good habits of church attendance. For the rest of their lives, they'll benefit from the knowledge they gained in Sunday School.

5. Have Fun
Don't forget the importance of play and fun. With talented teachers, great activities, and friends they enjoy, your little ones will love going to Sunday School every week. This is a great way to show your kids that learning about God can be really cool.

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Nursery
9:15 a.m. -- noon on Sundays
Children younger than five years of age can go to the nursery. Our nursery is staffed by trained and caring child care professionals.

Who: Three years of age -- 12th grade
When: Every Sunday morning, 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Where: In our Sunday School wing

Safe Sanctuaries
Our church is a "Safe Sanctuaries" church, which means all adults working with children and youth are screened with a background check and trained to ensure your child's safety.

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RECURRING EVENTS

• Fall Festival: held every October
• Trunk or Treat: an alternative to Trick or Treating. For more information, call the church office, (757) 595-6531.
• Journey to Bethlehem - a drive-through nativity held in December. For more information, call (757) 595-6531.
• Vacation Bible School - Held each July. Children learn about God's love through storytelling, arts, crafts and music.
• Wonderful Wednesdays - runs from September through May. Children ages four years through fifth grade enjoy arts and crafts, music, bells and chimes. We meet in the PreSchool Lunch Room from 6-7 p.m. For more information call the office at (757) 595-6531.

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In consideration of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church allowing the Participant to participate in children or youth ministry activities, please download the Parental Consent and Liability Release Form from our Online Library.