Children’s Ministry
your family is welcome here
About
CUMC offers a variety of activities for our children to exercise and grow their faith. We want to be a part of your child’s life from birth until they move into our Youth Ministry program. Below is a brief synopsis of our programs. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Candice Bell if you have questions or would like further information.
Mission Statement
It is our mission to offer a safe, loving, and engaging space where our children can be themselves as they mature into disciples of Christ.
Each child is a unique individual with their own social, emotional and physical qualities. It is our goal to offer a variety of activities using different learning styles so that each and every child will grow up at CUMC with joyous, fun, and peaceful memories of their time at church.
We seek volunteers that communicate our message both through their words and actions in order to teach children that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
We are aware that raising children comes with a variety of emotions, uncertainties, joys and sorrows so we also strive to provide activities and spiritual support for our families. We desire to engage as many of our church members in mentoring our young hearts and minds so that their love in Jesus will be rooted in a supportive church family.
The ultimate goal of CUMC Children’s ministry is to nurture our children and teach our children that Jesus is our savior and loves us unconditionally so that they may step into the world with an unconditional love for others allowing their love for Jesus to shine brightly.
Children in Worship
Nursery
Each Sunday we provide a Nursery for newborns to 4 years old so that parents may have some time to focus on God without distractions. We believe that these are your child’s first impressions of growing up with Church family and we provide a safe, positive, and loving atmosphere for all of our babies and little ones. If you are not quite ready to leave your baby yet we completely understand – feel free to stop by and meet our Nursery workers. Children of all ages are welcome in all of our services.
Traditional Services
Both our 8:30 and 11:00am Traditional Services offer a “Prayground.” The Prayground is at the back left side of the Sanctuary and offers a variety of coloring projects, art, stickers, and books. Someone will usually be there with the children, but kids are welcome even when someone is not present. We feel that it is important for our children to be inside the service and have the opportunity to see, hear, and respond to the prayers, music, and sermon so that as they grow they see worship as an important part of who they are.
Vine Service
Our Vine Service (4 years old – 2nd grade). Please feel free to send your 3rd-5th graders also if they enjoy coming and would like to provide some leadership to our younger children. The Vine provides a short Kids’ lesson where children are able to enjoy a game or craft, friends, and a snack during the sermon. Children will return for Communion with their families.
Children’s Ministry Programs
New Babies
Our New Babies ministry exists to support families who are a part of our congregation upon the birth of a newborn. Families of new babies are given a handmade blanket. Meals will also be provided if the family wishes to receive them. To become involved in the New Baby ministry, please contact us at cumc@clemsonumc.org.
Nursery
We offer a nursery for children 6 weeks-4yo during all three services and other occasions as needed. (funerals, small groups, etc)
Preschool Power Hour
Where little hearts grow in God’s love through learning, laughter, and friendship.
Preschool Power Hour is a fun and engaging time designed especially for potty-trained children aged 2-5! Each week, our little ones will enjoy a Bible story, music, a simple craft or hands-on activity, a snack and plenty of playtime. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about God’s love while building friendships in a safe, nurturing, and Christ centered environment. We can’t wait to welcome your Preschooler for an hour full of faith, fun, and friendship.
Prayground
Prayground is available during our Traditional services. We have a small table set up to the side of the service where children can read and use their imagination to make crafts related to scripture. We also offer Children’s Worship Bags should you want your child to remain seated next to you.
IGNITE
IGNITE meets one Sunday per month for our 3rd-5th graders. We ask that our 3rd-5th grade children pack a lunch and join us right after The Vine service until noon. IGNITE provides a more in depth Bible Study to begin preparing these children for leadership roles and Youth. We enjoy fellowship, a short Bible lesson, games/and or crafts. IGNITE also celebrates Christmas with a Progressive Snack afternoon and Easter with an IGNITE after dark Easter Egg Hunt.
Kid’s Club
Kid’s Club is our largest and most popular Children’s Ministry program, serving both our members and their friends. Kid’s Club is on Wednesday from 2:30-5:30 and provides Bible School lessons as well as snacks, 5 Rotations, and free time. Our 2026-2027 Kid’s Club is currently full but if you would like information or to be on a waitlist please reach out to Candice.
Palm Sunday Egg Hunt and Pastry Breakfast
Join us each year on Palm Sunday for one of our favorite Children’s Ministry traditions! Families with children Preschool through 2nd grade are invited to enjoy a morning filled with faith, fun and fellowship as we celebrate the beginning of Holy Week. Our older children are not left out! We hope that they will join us to help serve our families and hide eggs.
The morning begins with a delicious pastry breakfast and fruit giving families time to connect and enjoy fellowship together. Children and families will connect playing festive games before heading outside for an egg hunt where there are eggs galore for every child to collect. (One for our preschool and Kindergarten children and a separate for our 1st and 2nd graders)
The celebration doesn’t end there! Following the festivities, all of our children are invited to take part in our annual Palm Parade waving palm branches and celebrating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Our children help lead our congregation into this special season of Easter.
Asbury Hills Church Family Retreat
Come experience one of our favorite church traditions at our Annual Retreat to Asbury Hills! This special day is for everyone in our church, of all ages, and is a wonderful opportunity to step outside our usual Sunday routines and connect with people from different services, ministries, and generations.
Enjoy worship in the beauty of God’s creation, with beautiful mountain and lake chapels, time to hike and explore, a delicious lunch, and plenty of opportunities to relax, laugh, and build new friendships.
Whether you come with your family, a Sunday School class, or simply want to meet more people in our church family, there’s a place for you at Asbury Hills. Come for the day and leave with new memories, new friends, and a renewed spirit!
Vacation Bible Camp:Vacation Bible School
Get ready for one of the most exciting weeks of the summer! Our annual Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) is packed with unforgettable adventures as children discover God’s love through engaging Bible lessons, energetic worship, creative crafts, exciting games, delicious snacks, and hands-on activities. Each year features a brand-new unique theme that brings the Bible to life and helps children grow in their faith while making new friends and lasting memories.
Open to children 4yo- 5th grade our Children’s Ministry, VBC is a week full of laughter, learning, and fun that your family won’t want to miss! Dates, times, and this year’s theme are announced annually, so be sure to watch for registration and join us for an amazing summer adventure with Jesus.
Host-a-Trunk
Each October we invite you to join the fun by decorating your vehicle’s trunk and helping to provide a safe, creative, and festive experience for our community’s trick-or-treaters. Your decorated trunk will be a special stop for kids to collect candy and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Check back for registration information.
Looking to get involved?
Our Children’s Ministry is only possible because of our faithful volunteers who invest their time, hearts, and energy into our youngest. As we continue to add programming we have several opportunities to serve across various ages, times, and activities from as little as 20 minutes-as much time as you would like to give. All of our volunteers must complete a background check and read, understand and agree to our Safe Sanctuary policies. If you are looking to make an impact and guide the faith journey of small hearts please reach out to Candice.
Our Children’s Ministry is all about building a family of faith where children and families can grow in their relationship with Jesus and build friendships that last. Throughout the year, we offer something for everyone—from special events for girls, like our Galentine’s celebration, to boys’ nights like bowling, along with family game nights, swim nights, age-appropriate mission opportunities, Reverse Trick-or-Treat, Christmas caroling, Blessing of the Animals, breakfasts, Walk to School, and so much more! Whether we’re learning about God, serving others, playing together, or simply sharing a meal, every event is an opportunity to connect, have fun, and grow closer to Christ and one another. We believe some of the most meaningful faith experiences happen when we do life together, and we would love for your family to be part of ours!
