Children love to be an active part of worship and one of the ways they participate at Central is by raising their voices in song. Children’s Choir rehearsals are an active mix of learning music and getting to know more about each other as we sing, clap, move and share our talents. Geared toward children in Kindergarten through 5th grade, this group typically rehearses each fall and spring at a time that coordinates with adult gatherings or best fits the needs of those involved. The Children’s Choir enthusiastically shares the fruits of their labor by singing in one or both worship services several times each spring and fall.

Nursery care is provided for infants through age two during all worship hours.  Children aged three and up are offered child care during the 8:30 service, with Sunday School and Kid’s Club to follow.  Child Care is also provided for special events and services.

Kid’s Club is the children’s church hour.  Following the children’s moment in the sanctuary, the children gather for some music, a brief devotional period and some prayer time.  Following their worship time, the kids are allowed to play Bible-based games on the computers or do crafts.  Kid’s Club members who are at least of Kindergarten age also participate in regular social outings.  We have a lock-in for the kids at least twice each year as well as opportunities to go swimming, bowling, or to the museum.

Central UMC uses the Workshop Rotational Method for teaching Sunday School.  We have classes for 3 and 4 year olds as well as classes for Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Our facilities are wonderful for the rotation method and we are able to utilize a computer lab, an amazing art room, a kitchen, a video room (with a microwave for popcorn!), and a gym for recreation.  Sunday School begins at 9:40 and is preceded by a light breakfast for those who might be running late!

The Power Program of Central United Methodist Church is an outreach to the Jacobsville neighborhood and has been in existence for nearly 20 years. The program was begun as an after school snack program and has now evolved into tutoring, recreation, snacks, and a Saturday morning playground. All activities are supervised and there is no cost for any activities.

Tutoring
Tutoring is offered on Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. There have been students from UE and USI to help with tutoring as well as retired teachers who are members of Central Church. Children are encouraged to bring homework; however, if they come to tutoring without homework, we have an extensive library of children’s books, a computer lab with educational software, and a variety of games, puzzles, and flashcards.

POWER
Power is offered on Wednesday evenings. We meet from 4:00 until 6:00 for recreation and a hot meal. The meal is prepared and served by our adult Sunday School classes.

T-n-T
T-n-T is our summer recreation program. The children are provided with at least two activities per week during the summer. Programs may be at the church where we utilize our Family Life Center or the Art Room, or they may be off-site for swimming, bowling, the Children’s Museum, or other fun activities. Days and times may vary, but a monthly calendar is provided to the families.

The Saturday Morning Playground is offered every Saturday (except holidays) from 9:00a.m. to Noon and offers the children a safe place to play all year long. The playground is an indoor soft contained play system of tunnels, slides, and a ball pit. The basement area, which houses the indoor playground system, also offers foosball, air hockey and crafts. The playground is supervised and the kids are treated to a mid-morning snack.