FAQs for Children

Decatur First UMC:
A Rich History of Nurturing and Educating Children

The Methodist Church is known for building strong communities for the care, education and nurturing of children and young people, and Decatur First UMC is no exception. We feel blessed and privileged to offer so many opportunities for children of all ages to worship, learn and grow in a healthy, happy and loving Christian environment.

FAQ’s -- Frequently Asked Questions about Babies & Toddlers

How long is the nursery open on Sundays?
A combined nursery for babies, toddlers and young children is available beginning at 8:30 am for the 8:45 a.m. worship service. Both the Infant and Toddler nurseries are open from 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. for Sunday School and the 11:00 a.m. worship services.

What if I am not ready to put my infant in the nursery?
You are welcome to bring your baby to a Sunday School class or worship service until you are ready to leave him/her in the nursery. (Please be considerate of others in the case that the baby gets restless.)

How is the church nursery staffed?
The nurseries of Decatur First UMC are staffed with paid workers who are experienced in childcare. Each nursery is staffed with one lead worker (who is CPR-certified) and 1-2 other workers. The nursery is managed by the Director of Children’s Ministries.

What is the procedure for leaving my child in the nursery?
Sign-in at the check-in table at the nursery entrance and provide all the information requested, including a cell phone number. A “Nursery Notes” form can be completed if you have instructions for the nursery staff regarding your child’s care. Please tell your child good-bye in a way that communicates trust in the staff, and leave a personal article of yours with your child if they are teary about your departure.

What supplies should I bring to the nursery with my baby?
All articles in your child’s diaper bag should be labeled for ease of care during nursery time. Please stock bag with: 1) bottle of prepared formula or expressed milk (in cold pack if needed); 2) baby food or snack; 3) disposable diapers (cloth diapers not permitted); 4) bib; 5) change of clothes; 6) pacifier (if desired).

What supplies are provided by the church nursery?
The church keeps diaper wipes and some disposable diapers on hand if a parent forgets to bring them. Crib sheets and blankets are on hand and are changed with each baby’s use. With parents’ approval, Cheerios cereal or Ritz crackers will be given to babies on solid foods. Ritz crackers or graham crackers are offered for snack in the Toddler Nursery.

Describe the Infant Nursery Facility
The Infant Nursery is a soothing and nurturing environment for your baby. Over-sized rockers are used by both nursery workers and nursing moms. Floor mats give baby a safe place to explore as they become more mobile. Only age-appropriate toys that are safe for babies are allowed in the Infant Nursery. Cribs and swings are available when a baby is ready to nap.

What activities are available for toddlers in the nursery?
The staff strives to help each toddler learn thAt the Church is a fun place to play and grow! Activities include free-play, art, storybook time, snack time and run-around time on the playground or in the gym. The nursery is stocked with educational toys and books.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sundays for Children

What do children learn in Sunday School "Adventure" ?
Children’s Sunday School at Decatur First UMC helps foster the emotional, social and spiritual growth of each child. On Sunday morning, every child learns that he/she is a child of God and is loved by Decatur First UMC. Sunday School classes are organized by age and grade and range from two-year olds through 5th Grade. Classes are taught by adult volunteers who use church-approved curriculum. During Sunday School, children experience God’s love and the teachings of the church through Bible stories, music, drama, art and games.

Can my child attend worship in the Sanctuary?
Children of all ages are welcome to attend worship with their families. Alternative programs during 11:00 a.m. worship include "Explorers for 2-4 year olds" and "Expedition for K-2nd grade" .
What is Explorers?
Explorers is an hour of care for preschool and Kindergarten children during the 11:00 a.m. worship hour, so that parents can attend worship. Activities include free play, snack, and gym or playground time. Explorers is staffed by parents of each child’s classroom on a rotational basis. The four-year old and kindergarten classes go to the sanctuary at 10:55 a.m. to hear the “Children’s Moment” in 11:00 a.m. worship, and then return to Explorers.

What is the routine for Explorers drop-off?
Children attending Sunday School are automatically included in the Explorers program. On any given Sunday, if you are only attending 11:00 a.m. worship, please come to the first floor by 10:50 a.m. to sign in and drop off your child for Explorers.

What is Expedition?
As kids continue along on their faith journey, they begin their expedition toward joining the larger church congregation in worship. Expedition prepares K-2nd graders for a meaningful worship experience with their parents. Through games, crafts, music, storytelling, and an exploration of various elements of
corporate worship, your child will grow to appreciate the significance of Decatur First UMC worship practices. Expedition meets during the 11:00 a.m. traditional service after the children’s moment. Our K-2nd graders will be invited to join their parents for worship in the Sanctuary until the end of the children’s moment (at which time they will be escorted to the Fellowship Hall to participate in Expedition).
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What are examples of special events for children at Decatur First UMC?

Promotion Sunday
The beginning of the church school year. Scheduled on the Sunday after City of Decatur and DeKalb County Schools start.

Third Grade Bible Presentation
Bibles are given to 3rd Graders during 11:00 a.m. worship.

Friday Skate Night
Friday night fun for preschool and elementary kids to skate in the gym and enjoy cartoons & Veggie Tale movies. Scheduled during the school year, once a month.

Church Picnic
Annual picnic for the congregation with food, games and fellowship at a local City of Decatur park.

Fall Festival
Annual festival of carnival games, crafts, Halloween costume photos, and other fun for church and community children; usually scheduled for the Friday before Halloween.

Advent Workshop
Decatur First UMC begins the Advent season by making Advent wreaths, Christmas crafts, and tree ornaments. Usually scheduled the first Sunday of Advent.

Children's Advent Celebration
Annual program to celebrate the holiday season with seasonal hymns, nativity drama and a children’s Christmas mission offering. Scheduled during Sunday School the Sunday prior to Christmas Day.

Baby Recognition Sunday
The new babies of Decatur First UMC are introduced to the congregation - with their families - during the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service; usually held during January to recognize babies born the previous calendar year.

Palm Sunday Processional
All preschool and elementary children participate in the annual palm processional during the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship service on Palm Sunday.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) Registration Sunday
A special Sunday in May in which our upcoming Vacation Bible School program is introduced to the church. Children are invited to register for VBS on this Sunday.
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What programs are offered by the Weekday Children’s Ministries?

The Children’s Morning Out (CMO) is an educational program of Decatur First United Methodist Church. The programs operate in accordance with the policies of the Church’s Ministry Board, specifically the Pre-School Council. For more information about CMO visit the web page here.

Weekday Children’s Ministries also oversees the Preschool & Kindergarten where children between the ages of 2 and a half (by December 31st) and 5 years old can attend. Offering a long rich tradition of nurturing and educating young children in a loving environment where they can play, learn and grow, the Preschool and Kindergarten are staffed by highly skilled teachers with excellent credentials. Visit the Preschool page for more information.
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