Infants and Toddlers

Childcare for infants and toddlers from birth through three years is provided by paid, trained childcare workers and volunteers during Saturday night and Sunday morning worship. We have a pager system to notify parents if they are needed. Childcare is provided for most special services and activities.

PreK-6th Grade

Worship

Children are always welcome and encouraged to attend Burke United Methodist Church worship services. Also, communion in the United Methodist Church is open to children of any age.

Our church design enables parents to take children who become restless into the Narthex (the back of the sanctuary), and still be able to hear and be in full view of the service. There are quiet activity bags, labeled Pre-K or Elementary, available in baskets at the back of the sanctuary by the stained glass window.

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Sunday School

Sunday School is available during Sunday’s 9:30 service for all ages, the 11:00 service for Pre-K through 6th grade, and during the 5:30 Saturday night LifeSign service for Pre-K through 6th grade. Burke UMC also offers the Rainbow Room Sunday School class for children with special needs during the 9:30 service on Sunday morning. Please visit our Sunday School page for exact schedules and room assignments.

Maps to Sunday School classrooms are posted throughout the church, and you can always call or email the church to find out your child’s classroom.

During the summer, Sunday School is offered at 9:30 and 11:00 for Pre-K children. A combination children's worship program is offered to K-4th graders. Older children attend worship in the sanctuary with their family.

For more information please see our Sunday School page.

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Vacation Bible School (VBS)

August 4-8, 2008, Beach Party: Surfin' Through the Scriptures
Each July/August our church hosts Vacation Bible School for children aged 3 years through rising 5th graders. Through Bible stories, crafts, music, games, and mission education, our children learn about God's plan for their life. A special feature is our Thursday night worship celebration, dinner, and carnival. For more information, contact VBS Director, Shelley Smith.

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Acolytes

Fourth graders and older are invited to attend acolyte training in the fall or spring. Trained acolytes are scheduled to serve at the 8:15, 9:30, or 11:00 am worship services. Acolytes are provided with special white robes. Download our Acolyte Ministry Guide, or Rev. Judy Fender for more details.

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Music

There are three children’s choirs, and two children’s handbell choirs active at Burke UMC, as well as a summer music camp. More information can be found on the music ministries page.

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Missions

Children are encouraged to participate in the many mission opportunities here at Burke UMC.

Kids Can Do Mission Clubs, grades K-3 – meet monthly or quarterly, with activities focused on fellowship, bible study, and mission projects. For more information please contact Lisa Carey.

CLUB 45, grades 4-5 - meet monthly or quarterly, with activities focused on fellowship, bible study, and mission projects.For more information, please contact Nancy Ostinato.

Mission Possible – June 23-27, 2008 (5th and 6th graders) are invited to participate in a week long camp during the summer that includes mission education, bible study, and a hands-on mission project at Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church, Servv Homeless Shelter, or the Lamb Center. Kids learn how to do new tasks, meet people in different circumstances than their own, and learn, as followers of Jesus, that we are called to be in servant ministry. For more information, please contact Rev. Judy Fender.

Kids in Mission – a three day learning experience for 3rd and 4th graders in the summer that involves mission education, bible study, and hands-on mission projects.

Other ways children serve in ministry:

• Becoming an acolyte for the church (grades 4 and up)
• Making brownbag meals for the homeless with Loaves and Fishes (LAF)
• Making and sending cards to those who are ill
• “Fill up the Potato” banks (collecting change for food)
• Donate school supplies
• Donate items for LAF brownbag meals
• Donate hats and gloves for the mitten tree (December)

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Club 6

Sixth graders are invited to join Club 6 for fun, food, games, and fellowship. Club 6 meets periodically as announced in the bulletin. Parents of 6th graders also have the opporuntity for Christain "parent" fellowship, discussing typical 6th grade issues such as their upcoming transition into middle school, puberty, internet issues, parent-teen relationships, and more. For more information, contact Nancy Ostinato.

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