Welcome, Families!
We are a dedicated community that takes children’s faith discovery and development seriously and joyfully. The goal of Children’s Ministry is to offer a safe environment where children from birth through Grade 5 and their families can take part in a wide range of opportunities that nurture and encourage spiritual growth for the entire family.
Our children’s ministry is based upon the following values:
HOSPITALITY
We are an inclusive community where each child and family is welcomed and appreciated for their unique gifts and presence in our community.
COMMUNITY
We are intentional in our efforts to build connections with children and their families, to keep our children connected to the broader church community and to purposely foster healthy relationships with youth and adults.
LEARNING
Together we explore what it means to love God and to love our neighbors through Sunday School, Children’s Church, Faith in Action service projects, Messy Church, Date Night, and more!
For questions or comments, or to simply say “Hi!” please contact Tricia Guerrero, Pastoral Associate for Family Ministries.
Contact t.guerrero@santamonicaumc.org or call (310) 393-8258 ext. 104
Read Tricia’s weekly message.
Sundays for Children
What is Sunday School? How do we get there? Is childcare offered for my toddler? (Yes!) Are there volunteer opportunities for the whole family to do together? My child loves to sing! My little one is a bit squirmy for pews but isn’t ready to be dropped off at childcare.
Messy Church
Messy Church is fun, faith, and food! Gatherings on the 2nd Saturday of the month for the whole family.
Parents Date Night
While parents enjoy an evening out or a quiet night in, children are provided a safe and fun evening of games, activities and crafts, pizza dinner, and a movie with our trained childcare team.
Village Parent Group
A space for parents raising young children to relate, to rejoice, to simply be in community.
Family Devotional
Life can be busy for families. In the midst of school and work, sports, music lessons, theater and everything else, it’s hard to find time to explore faith together as a family. We understand this challenge and offer you the Family Devotional.
Events Throughout the Year
Palm Sunday Celebration & Egg Hunt
Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’s arrival into Jerusalem, marking the start of Holy Week. This special service begins with the children, and adults, entering the sanctuary waving palm leaves! Following the service, come enjoy a family brunch at no charge. Take a photo with the Easter Bunny, decorate some eggs, and bring your basket for the annual Egg Hunt! This event is a family favorite! View photos from 2018.
Christmas Eve Family Service
Join us for a Christmas Eve Family Service with a “No Muss, No Fuss” Christmas Pageant for all ages. Costumes for children are available at the door.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is a low-cost, one week long, half-day summer program full of fun, music, scripture and stories, science projects, prayer and missions.
Children’s Sabbath
Once a year, the children plan one of our 10 a.m. worship services. Children of all ages not only help write and lead the entire service, they also preach and sing.
Programs
Parent & Toddler Class
Sponsored by the First UMC Preschool… READ MORE
FUMC Preschool (License # 191600232)
Our full-day Preschool provides an enrichment program… READ MORE