Children

With God’s help, we will welcome, nurture and equip all children according to the United Methodist tradition so they may choose to follow Jesus and serve others.

As a church committed to providing a safe sanctuary for all children, the doors to the first and second floor of the Children’s building will require a key fob to enter. Those who do not have a key fob will need to go to the circle desk for admittance or call a member of the Children’s staff for assistance.

We understand safety precautions are not the most hospitable and are an inconvenience, but keeping Kids@Canterbury safe is our priority. If you have not registered for a key fob, you may contact  Ashley VanScyoc (ashley.vanscyoc@canterburyumc.org) to receive one. Thank you for helping us ensure our children’s safety! Contact Ruth Grissom (ruth.grissom@canterburyumc.org) with any questions or comments.

You have a new baby! Children’s Ministry at Canterbury begins at birth. Nursery is provided for children 6 weeks through 4 years of age for all regularly scheduled worship services. Our paid nursery staff are prepared to provide a nurturing environment for your child and are also trained in life-saving measures.

Sunday Morning
Grouped by age, your child will be cared for by loving nursery staff members. Nursery for other activities and church events provided by request. Canterbury uses a computer check-in system as part of our Safe Sanctuary Policy and can be found at the main entrance of the children’s building for Sunday morning nursery.

Wednesday Night
During the school year, the nursery is provided for Wednesday night activities from 5:15 to 7 PM for children two and under. 3K and 4K nursery is available beginning at 5:15 PM. A play area is available at the back of Canterbury Hall for ages 3K & up from 5:15-5:50 PM. Activities begin for 3K – 6th grade at 6:00 PM.

Playcare@Canterbury
Monday-Thursday | 9 AM-1 PM
Need occasional, part-time care for your baby, toddler or preschooler? We welcome you to try PlayCare! We provide care for children of Canterbury members and members of our community. PlayCare provides a loving, caring and fun environment for children ages 6 weeks through 4 years of age.

PlayCare is open year-round with the following exceptions: MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, MBCS Spring Break week, Easter Monday, Memorial week, Vacation Bible Camp week, Juneteenth Day, July 4th, Labor Day week, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the week between Christmas and New Years.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Selena Pitsch  (selena.pitsch@canterburyumc.org). We recommend that you make reservations at least 24 hours in advance, but we will do all we can to accommodate short-notice reservations. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance or you will be billed for your child’s reserved space.

Preschool ministry is for 2K, 3K, 4K children. We teach children they are loved by God and their church family, the Bible is an important book, prayer is how we talk to God and the importance of serving others is pleasing to God. Sunday school classes are led by dedicated volunteers and staff members. We would love the opportunity to be in ministry with your child and hope to welcome your family into our community of faith.

Sunday Mornings
2K – 4K | 9:15-10:15 AM

Sunday School classes meet on the first and second level of the Children’s Building.
2K Room C110 (first floor)
3K Room C214 (second floor)
4K Room C216 (second floor)

Wednesday Nights | Bible Study & Choir
3K – 4K Schedule (By Sept. 1)
6:00-6:30 PM Room C206

O sing to the Lord a new song…Psalm 96

Children ages 3K through Kindergarten will learn songs in unison, play with age-appropriate instruments, and are encouraged to fully engage with music in a warm and creative environment.

Elementary ministry at Canterbury is for kindergarten through fourth-grade children. In elementary ministry, we welcome, engage, and teach your child about the love and grace freely given by God. Our Sunday morning includes large group fellowship followed by small group Sunday school classes led by dedicated volunteers and staff members. We would love to come alongside your elementary student in ministry and to welcome your family into our community of faith at Canterbury.

Sunday Mornings
9:15-10:15 AM

Sunday School classes meet on the second level of the Children’s Building. All ages meet in Hallelujah Hall for Assembly at 9:15 AM then dismiss to their classroom.

Kindergarten C206 Peter
1st Room C207 Matthias
2nd Room C209 Simon
3rd Room C211 Thaddaeus
4th Room C213 Phillip

Wednesday Nights | Bible Study & Choir
K – 2nd Grade Room C207
3rd – 4th Grade Room C209

“…singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts…” Ephesians 5:19b

Kids@Cantebury understands the transition from Elementary School to Junior High can be challenging. We believe 5th and 6th graders benefit from learning and having fun separately from our Elementary age children. RISE Ministry allows them their own space, their own programs, and their own director to form stronger bonds before they enter Junior High.

Sunday Mornings
Sunday School meets from 9:15-10:15 AM each Sunday morning. All RISE students begin the morning on the 3rd floor in room 300 for games and fellowship. From 9:15-9:30 AM they have fun with leaders and enjoy shooting basketball, playing table tennis, foosball, or a number of other games together. At 9:30 AM they begin their lesson time in the Movie Room then move to Room 307 for a large group lesson. Students are dismissed on their own after Sunday School to meet family at a predetermined place.

Wednesday Nights
6:00-7:00 PM Room 300.
RISE students enjoy 15-20 minutes of fellowship time and then move to their Bible study time.

For more information, contact Davis Kinchler (davis.kinchler@canterburyumc.org).

Choir is available for children 3K through 6th grade. The choirs meet during Wednesday night activities and have opportunities every few months to sing as a group during Sunday morning services.

1st grade through 6th grade learn songs with simple harmonies, are given instruction in music fundamentals and learn to work together as a choir.