We are working hard to safely provide meaningful connection with children, youth, and families.
If you want to sign up for our newsletter, "Growing Green" that focuses on children and families, please contact Kim Strong at kim@greenstreetumc.org.
For more information on youth activities, contact Sarah Howell-Miller at sarah@greenstreetumc.org.
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Children's Ministries
At Green Street, children are cherished as vital, fully participating members of the faith community. We know God more fully because of the wonderful kids who join us each week, and we seek to help each child know God more fully as well.
Sunday School – [Mostly relevant pre-COVID; stay tuned for updates on regathering] We have classes for Pre-K, Elementary and Tweens/Teens on Sunday mornings from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. The Pre-K and Elementary classes use a lectionary-based curriculum from Sparkhouse called “Whirl,” and the Tweens/Teens use a web-based curriculum called “LinC.”
Worship – At Green Street, we believe it is important for kids to participate in inter-generational worship, so we tailor specific parts of the 11:00 service to include them. On regular Sundays, kids have a chance to gather at the altar for a story or short conversation that opens the particular focus of the gospel lesson to them. Afterwards, they help take up a “noisy offering” for contributions to the Shalom project. Once or twice a year, kids take charge of the entire 11 o’clock worship experience. This increases familiarity with the different elements of worship, and it centers attention on our belief that God speaks to us through children.
Nursery – [Mostly relevant pre-COVID; stay tuned for updates on regathering] Our weekly nursery is staffed by a paid nursery worker and a rotating church volunteer. Typically, the age for nursery runs from infant to age 4.
Activities – We have a variety of special events throughout the year like a Pumpkin Patch Hayride at Tanglewood, Play dates in the Park, bowling, Souper Server Saturday, and our Stocking Stuffing Christmas Party for the Shalom Project. In play, in prayer and in worship we are Growing Green together!!
Sunday School – [Mostly relevant pre-COVID; stay tuned for updates on regathering] We have classes for Pre-K, Elementary and Tweens/Teens on Sunday mornings from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. The Pre-K and Elementary classes use a lectionary-based curriculum from Sparkhouse called “Whirl,” and the Tweens/Teens use a web-based curriculum called “LinC.”
Worship – At Green Street, we believe it is important for kids to participate in inter-generational worship, so we tailor specific parts of the 11:00 service to include them. On regular Sundays, kids have a chance to gather at the altar for a story or short conversation that opens the particular focus of the gospel lesson to them. Afterwards, they help take up a “noisy offering” for contributions to the Shalom project. Once or twice a year, kids take charge of the entire 11 o’clock worship experience. This increases familiarity with the different elements of worship, and it centers attention on our belief that God speaks to us through children.
Nursery – [Mostly relevant pre-COVID; stay tuned for updates on regathering] Our weekly nursery is staffed by a paid nursery worker and a rotating church volunteer. Typically, the age for nursery runs from infant to age 4.
Activities – We have a variety of special events throughout the year like a Pumpkin Patch Hayride at Tanglewood, Play dates in the Park, bowling, Souper Server Saturday, and our Stocking Stuffing Christmas Party for the Shalom Project. In play, in prayer and in worship we are Growing Green together!!
Youth Ministries
Our youth (ages 11+) are a vital part of the Green Street family. As our young people move up from children's ministries to youth ministries, we focus on forming and equipping them to lead and participate in the life of the church and the broader community.
Youth Group – The youth gather for fun, formation, and fellowship on Sunday evenings, sharing meals, playing games, asking big questions, and getting more connected with themselves, with one another, and with God. Our staff and adult volunteers facilitate activities and support our youths' growth. We have dinner together on Sundays from 5:30-6:00 and youth group 6:00-7:00.
Confirmation – In United Methodism, confirmation is when a baptized Christian publicly professes their faith for the first time and becomes a full member of the local church. Confirmation begins in January and meets weekly 4:30-5:30 through May.
Youth Group – The youth gather for fun, formation, and fellowship on Sunday evenings, sharing meals, playing games, asking big questions, and getting more connected with themselves, with one another, and with God. Our staff and adult volunteers facilitate activities and support our youths' growth. We have dinner together on Sundays from 5:30-6:00 and youth group 6:00-7:00.
Confirmation – In United Methodism, confirmation is when a baptized Christian publicly professes their faith for the first time and becomes a full member of the local church. Confirmation begins in January and meets weekly 4:30-5:30 through May.
Retreats and Trips – Green Street youth have been on a number of trips and retreats focused on spiritual formation, friendship, and community. Each year, our youth participate in Wilderness Trail, a backpacking and adventure ministry based in Troutdale, VA. Our next Wilderness Trail event will be June 12-17, 2022. The youth have also done beach retreats and other weekend trips where they learn, grow, and play together.