Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14, NIV

Wesley’s children and grandchildren are very special to our church, and we have many lessons and activities to make sure they have fun while learning the word of God.  

Sarah Wilcox, the children and youth coordinator, gives the children’s sermon in the 10:30 service each Sunday, and afterwards the children go upstairs for their own special worship service with either Sarah or a Wesley volunteer.  In children’s church we learn how the “big church” service works by learning how to acolyte, give an offering, and say the Doxology, Affirmation of Faith and Lord's Prayer.  On communion Sundays, children accompany their families in worship. 

Our Children’s Sunday School, 9:30-10:30, consists of two classes, K-2^nd grade and 3^rd-5^th grades.  Mandy Murph teaches the K-2^nd class, and Kathy Ownley and Brittany Kronz teach the 3^rd-5^th class.   

Cheryl Smith often volunteers with the children’s programs at Wesley.  She helps organize and lead the Birthday Party for Jesus, where children learn the Christmas story through fun, games, and cake.  This year the Birthday Party will be during Sunday School on December 20^th.  

Hannelore Wilson is also a frequent volunteer.  She is a native of Germany and enjoys sharing her unique cultural perspective with the children of Wesley.  She has given children’s sermons on Christmas and Easter in Germany and what it is like to go to school in Germany.   

Other activities for Wesley children include a Halloween carnival, celebrating Advent with gifts from Wesley members, Christmas caroling for residents of Morningside and members of Wesley UMC, an Easter egg hunt, Vacation Bible School during the Summer, and field trips such as going to the movies or the state museum. 

For children younger than Kindergarten age Wesley has a nursery, which is open from 9:30-11:30 every Sunday, for the Sunday School and late worship service hours.  The nursery is staffed by two Wesley members each Sunday, and this gives the adults and children a chance to get to know one another.  The mural of Noah’s Arch on our nursery walls is painted by Andre Mack, a local artist.