Elementary

We recognize that our children are filled with so many choices in their lives. It is our prayer that the ministries of VHUMC will always lead them to Jesus in those

choices. We are moving down the road, always in the direction of Jesus. Our ministry together is sure to be a delight to God as our children become equipped for their own unique style of leadership at VHUMC.

Children In Worship

Jesus did not require a particular standard of comprehension and neither should we. While children probably do not always receive the same messages in worship that youth or adults receive, they still receive many messages and meanings that are both spoken and unspoken about their own value to our faith community.

We believe that children gather all sorts of information and impressions that they will assimilate later in their lives. We try to meet the children where thy are - including them in worship as much as possible so they are learning the act of worship through experience. When we strengthen their worship, we also magnify our own worship. We encourage you to let your children be a part of your worship experience.

Acolytes and Bible Bearers - It is important for our children to understand their call to be worship leaders. Serving as a Acolyte or Bible Bearer is their opportunity to lead the Sanctuary congregation in worship.

Children in the 4th and 5th Grades are assigned to serve as Acolytes. During the worship service, they are responsible for bringing in the light of Jesus Christ into the worship service at the beginning of the service and taking the light of Christ out into the world at the conclusion of the service.

Children in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades are invited to participate as a Bible Bearer in the sanctuary worship service. They bring the in the Holy Scriptures in and out of the worship service.

Training for both areas of service and leadership is held once a year in the Fall, and is mandatory to participate.

Sunday School

Vestavia Hills UMC recognizes the need for all children to grow in their knowledge of God's Word. Our Sunday School teachers are well trained and love to share the gospel with children. We use the United Methodist Curriculum, titled "Live B.I.G." (Live Belief In God) in each of our classes. We are proud to offer our children the United Methodist perspectives on God's Word, which focuses on the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Live B.I.G. is a comprehensive curriculum, which covers the Bible in a two-year cycle. Written especially for each age group, Live B.I.G. will give your child the tools they need to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ, using their bodies, their minds, their relationships, and their hearts.

Sunday School is held at 9:45 each Sunday. We pray that you will encourage your child to join us in a class that is designed to meet the needs of their grade. We have two classes for each grade. Registering your child for Sunday School will ensure that you and your child will be kept up-to-date with current happenings in Sunday School as well as other ministry opportunities.

The Crossroads Ministry on Wednesday Nights includes the following programs:

Kids Bible Study - 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Join us on Wednesday nights during the school year to learn and grow and God's Word. We get together and have fun with games, God's Word, a mission project and fellowship. For more information, contact Ruth Grissom at 769-0124, rgrissom@vhumc.org.. Registration forms are located on the Elementary floor.

Crossroads Ministry also includes the following Yearly Events: Fellowship that is offered every Summer in June. The children share a real community of faith during this time. There is a unique sense of love between them as they grow in Christ through experiences.

Vacation Bible Camp - This is a special time of learning and fellowship that is offered every Summer in June. The children share a real community of faith during this time. There is a unique sense of love between them as they grow in Christ through experiences.
Third Grade Bibles - It is a special time when we present a new personalized bible to each 3rd Grader who calls VHUMC their church home. Recognition of this great event is held during a worship service at the beginning of each school year.