Children

*** UPDATE: 1/8/22 - We have temporarily suspended in-person gatherings for the children's program. Sunday School will take place via Zoom only. ***

 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." -- Mark 10:15

At St. Thomas UMC, we consider our children's ministry to be a vital part of our church. We have developed weekly children’s teaching that immerses children in age-appropriate biblical truths, helping to set a foundation that will last a lifetime. This church program offers a partnership with parents to bring God's influence into their child's life and mind. God's promises are taught in classes and children are challenged to keep His commandments in their daily lives.          

JOIN VIRTUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL (Sundays, 10:00-10:50)                                                                                                                                                      

Upcoming Events                                                              

February 11 - Kids Care 2 - 3rd-5th grade, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Zoom REGISTER

Our Vision

• To create an environment where every child feels safe and loved
• To teach the Bible in relevant, age-appropriate, and fun ways
• To build trusting relationships where each child is known and loved and receives discipleship and encouragement
• To build and nurture a community of adult leaders who are committed to their own faith and passionate in their ministries

Our Goal

Our goal is to strengthen the Christian values that are being placed in your child's heart at home. We are a complement to your parental guidance to ensure that your child receives an effective biblical foundation. If you need assistance, our children's ministry is available to provide resources and advice on how to better equip your family at home.

Sunday Morning

Nursery

We provide nursery care for children ages 3 months - 3 years on Sunday mornings at both of our worship services.  The nursery is located on the first floor.  During the hour, Toddlers and 2 yr olds can participate in a brief age-appropriate craft and Bible story. Childcare is also provided on Tuesday evenings so parents may participate in choir practice and other church-led activities.

King's Kids

Our goal is to teach the Bible in exciting, child-targeted ways through drama, music, and other creative means. We want to disciple and nurture the children in an environment where they are known and loved, where they can build a community of trust, and learn to apply the Bible lessons in their own lives. We want our children to learn to make wise choices, to trust God and to treat others the way they want to be treated.

Our Curriculum:

Sunday School is provided for all preschool and elementary-age children from 10:00-10:50 a.m. in the Children's Worship Center. We follow a large group/small group format guided by the size of the group and the ages of participating children. Sign-in and classrooms are all located on the first floor. We are currently using the GROWKids Curriculum. Click here for more information. We provide for both in-person or virtual attendance each week.  

        Register for IN-PERSON Sunday School here.
        Register for VIRTUAL Sunday School here.

Click here to attend virtual Sunday School.         

Children's Church

During our 11 AM service, we offer a program for children ages 3 years - 5th Grade during the sermon.  Children attend the beginning of the worship service with their family and then are released to Children's Church after the Children's Message.  The program is held in the Children's Worship Center on the bottom floor, next to the nursery.  

Kids Care 2:345

This program is held on the 2nd Friday monthly during the school year from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.

All 3rd-5th Graders are invited to our monthly Friday gatherings as we gather for food, fun, faith, and a hands-on service project! Friends are always welcome and you don't have to be a part of our church to participate. Join us in the Fellowship Hall. Dinner is not being served at this time, but a snack will be sent home.

Getting Started

Please fill out a new registration form each school year for your child and return to the King's Kids Check-In Station on the bottom floor, outside the Children's Worship Center. This information for your family enables us to better serve you by keeping you informed of our program, letting you know when special events are coming up, and being able to contact you when your child is in our care. The form also provides you the opportunity to communicate any special needs or requests your child may have. 

Download Registration Form

Download King's Kids Safety Checklist

Parents! We know dropping your kid off in a new place can be a bit scary sometimes. That’s why we have this brief document that ensures you we have thought through your child’s safety while they are with us. The safety of our children is right next to our desire for them to know God and His love for them…it’s very important!

Outreach Ministries

Vacation Bible School: VBS is held every summer and is HUGELY popular in the Manassas community. Mark your calendars for June 20-24, 2022!  

Advent Bags: A fun way for our children to be active participants in making the Advent season a little brighter for those less fortunate.  Families pick up a special calendar that guides them in gathering food and other child-friendly items day-by-day. 

Easter Egg Hunt: Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is held on a Saturday morning before Easter. All children through 5th grade are invited to join us for crafts, storytime and of course, an egg hunt!  Bring a friend and share the fun. 

Trunk or Treat:  A "Spirit"ed festival for all ages.  A Christ-centered alternative for Halloween.

Kristi's Prayground

Our summer program includes weekly videos with faith-based stories, devotions, prayer and activity prompts for families on the go. Families are still able to view the videos at the links below -- whenever it’s convenient for you!

• June 23  "I Like Myself" by Karen Beaumont
• June 30  "The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle
• July 7  "Cutie Fruities and the Fruits of the Spirit" by Ede Lara
• July 14  "Jonathan James and the WhatIf Monster" by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt
• July 21  "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister
• July 28  "Waiting is Not Easy" by Mo Willems
• Aug 4  "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst
• Aug 11  "Sorry!" by Norbert Landa and Tim Warnes

Child Protection Policy

Proper and loving care of children is of paramount importance to St. Thomas UMC.  See our Child Protection Policy.