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Children are blessings at St. James United Methodist Church!

Nurturing and growing God’s children through engaging learning and support is our priority. We are fortunate to have an extremely active and talented group of volunteers, from Sunday School teachers to small group leaders. The Children’s Ministry Team is dedicated to providing opportunities for our children to experience Christian education and fellowship.

At St. James we seek to create a loving environment where our children can grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. There are so many opportunities for participation within this exciting ministry.  We encourage everyone, young and old, to become involved in the children’s ministry at St. James!

All children are God’s Children and all children are welcome at St. James!

CLICK HERE for information on St. James Trick or Treating 2020!

Children's Ministry 

There's so much for your little ones to do at St. James. Here are just a few ways our ministry invests in the next generation. Have any questions? Need help getting connected? Want to volunteer? Reach out to us at: .

Nursery Care [Birth- 3]

St. James Children’s Ministry employs a loving group of experienced and trained women to care for our youngest members during most events on campus.  The nursery is open for drop-off on Sundays during the 8:45 am service, during Sunday School, and during the 10:55 am service. During the school year, we also provide nursery care during Wednesday Night Supper and program (5:45-7:30 pm) and Friday mornings during our Praying Mom’s Book Club at 9:15 am.

St. James Tots [Birth-4]

This energetic group (which welcomes older siblings) enjoys fellowship and fun throughout the year with age appropriate on-campus playdates, trips to the theater, music classes and more!  Through the Tots group, children begin to make lifelong friendships while parents connect with families they may not cross paths with on Sundays.
2020-2021 Tots Leaders and Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again. 

 Sunday School Classes [4 yrs.- 6th Grade]

Sunday School classes are available for 4 year olds-6th grade from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Because our children’s first Christian steps are so important, we have carefully designed our Sunday School program to nurture and teach all the children at St. James United Methodist Church. Our teachers strive to know each child and their family, thus strengthening the bond between church and home.

The annual “Learn to Use Your Bible” Lock-In is always a popular event for our 3rd and 4th graders.  With the leadership of Nancy and Jim Sutterfield, our children participate in fun activities and a treasure hunt throughout St. James.  Most importantly, they begin learning how to use their Bibles!  Each August, our rising 3rd graders receive their engraved Bible as a gift from St. James. The presentation of these Bibles take place during the worship service following the Lock-in event.

Our 5th and 6th Graders use a Middle School curriculum designed to bridge the gap between children’s Sunday School and Youth. Throughout the school year, the “God Squad,” a program for all  5th and 6th graders are encouraged to participate in social and service outings every three to four weeks.

Click to email your child’s Sunday School teacher:

4 years – Kindergarten

1st & 2nd Grade

3rd & 4th Grade

5th & 6th Grade

Worship and Wonder [4 yrs- 2nd Grade]

Children are always welcome to be part of worship with their parents.

We provide an opportunity for age appropriate worship during the 10:55 a.m. Sunday service after our Moment with Children in Sanctuary worship. Children 4 years old through 2nd grade are invited to attend. This is a time, led by staff and volunteers, where children will participate in “Children’s Worship and Wonder”. During this time, children attend an age-appropriate worship experience including the telling of a parable or bible story, time for reflection, and often an opportunity to work with one of the stories. Worship and Wonder concludes with a “feast” and/or communion and a blessing for the upcoming week.

God Squad [5th-6th Grade]

5th and 6th graders are invited to join God Squad.  We meet outside of the Sunday school environment and forge stronger friendships with our church friends by experiencing fun and fellowship together.  It is also an opportunity to learn about helping others through mission activities like serving at the Food Warehouse.  God Squad meets about once a month.  Planned events may be either on or off campus.  2020-2021 God Squad Leaders and Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again.

Children's Choirs [4yrs- 6th Grade]

We offer a graded choir program for children four years through sixth grade. The Music wing at St. James UMC is abuzz on Wednesday nights with singing! Although our season starts in September, children are welcome to join at any time of the year.

The Children’s Choirs sing at our 3 p.m. Christmas Eve service, provide Thanksgiving and spring programs, and in worship every month or two.

Cherub Choir – ages 4 – Kindergarten
Directors: Matti Knight & Becky Hilliard
Room 113 (Turn right down the hall after checking in. Last room on the left)

Caroleer Choir – 1st & 2nd grade
Directors: Debbie Tuck & Mary Cartwright
Room 104 (Turn right down the hall after checking in. 1st room on right)

Junior Choir – 3rd – 6th grade
Director: Marcela Meeks
Room 106 (Turn right down the hall after checking in. 2nd room on right)

Questions? Contact Michael Ervin, Director of Music Ministry. Or, Click Here to register.

St. James Children’s Choirs 2020-2021 Important Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again.

Volunteer Sign Ups

St. James Children’s Ministry loves it’s Volunteers! Our strong participation by parents and other dedicated adults allows our children to grow in a faith that is seeded with love.

We are currently looking for volunteers to lead our Children’s Zoom Sunday school offerings. If this is something that you’d be interested in, please email us at .

Tween Zone [3rd- 6th Grade]

Bible Challenge [K- 6th Grade]

The Bible Challenge program is in its 25th year at St. James.  It is an important component to the overall Christian education offered to St. James children.  This is a program where all children Kindergarten through 6th grade are “challenged” to learn certain Bible verses, hymns, prayers, creeds, and worship liturgy that we practice in our worship services.  With each successful memorization, participants receive a new bead for their Bible Challenge necklace.  This is important for our children because they will have the promise of God’s word in their hearts forever.  During each monthly session, volunteers meet one-on-one with children and help them learn the 30 Bible Challenges.

Bible Challenge meets during the school year in Room 109 immediately following Children’s Moment with help from adult and young volunteers who are Bible Challenge “graduates,” children begin in Kindergarten to memorize key bible verses, hymns and creeds. Children are recognized for their achievements along each level of the challenge with beads for a very special necklace and a presentation during Children’s Sunday each spring during the 10:55 a.m. Worship Service.  Children K-6th are invited to join us as we journey together through Bible Challenge.

2020-2021 Bible Challenge Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again.

Bible Challenge Necklace

1 The Lord’s Prayer (white) >>
2 This Is the Day, Psalm 118:24 (blue) >>
3 The Golden Rule (gold) >>
4 For God So Loved, John 3:16 (red heart) >>

Completion of Fisherman Level (black)

5 The Doxology (dark blue) >>
6 Gloria Patri (lavender) >>
7 Let The Words, Psalm 19:14 (pink) >>
8 1st Verse: Amazing Grace (cream) >>
9 1st Verse: O For A thousand Tongues To Sing (red) >>
10 1st Verse: The Church’s One Foundation (grey) >>
11 1st Verse: This Is My Father’s World (green) >>

Completion of Disciple 1 (black)

8 2nd Verse: Amazing Grace (cream) >>
9 2nd Verse: O For A thousand Tongues To Sing (red) >>
10 2nd Verse: The Church’s One Foundation (grey) >>
11 2nd Verse: This Is My Father’s World (green) >>
12 The Lord Is My Shepherd, Psalm 23 (purple) >>
13 Names of The Books of Law & Gospels (blue denim) >>

Completion of Disciple 2

14 Make a Joyful Noise, Psalm 100 (dark turquoise) >>
15 Love the Lord Your God, Matthew 22:37-40 (pink heart) >>
16 Names of Books of the Old Testament (silver) >>

Completion of Disciple 3 (black)

17 Names of Books of the New Testament (gold) >>
18 I Lift Up My Eyes, Psalm 121 (brown) >>
19 The Apostles’ Creed (light turquoise) >>
20 The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:2-17 (crystal) >>
21 The Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20 (white) >> 

Completion of Disciple 4 (black)

22 Trust In The Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6 (blue) >>
23 The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-12 (yellow) >>
24 Let Us Love One Another, 1 John 4:7-8 (purple heart) >>
25 Be Present At Our Table, Wesley’s Blessing (brown) >>

Completion of Disciple 5

26 How Majestic Is Your Name, Psalm 8 (green) >>
27 In All Things God, Romans 8:28 (medium red) >>
28 The Communion Confession (silver) >>
29 UMYF Benediction (coral) >>
30 Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23a (yellow) >>

Completion of Disciple 6 (black)

Worship Readiness [1st and 2nd Grade]

Worship Readiness is a class to help our 1st and 2nd graders feel welcome and comfortable in worship, understand the parts of worship, and why we worship.  The final class on Sunday, March 3, 2019, will include a special communion service in the Chapel for children and parents with our Pastor, Rev. Max Vincent.

2020-2021 Worship Readiness Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again.

Cross Kids [3rd-4th Grade]

3rd and 4th graders comprise our CrossKids group! This group meets outside of the Sunday school environment once a month. CrossKids participate in fun, fellowship, and mission activities both on and off campus.

2020-2021 Cross Kids Leaders and Dates are pending as we look to safely gather once again