CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

From newborn babies being gently rocked and cared for, to our elementary kids rocking out during Jesus the Rock “LIVE!,” DUMC is the place for children and their families!

Rev. Ellen Johnson, Minister of Education
Menita Mercuri, Director of Children's and Family Ministries
Susan Cavasinni, Administrative Assistant to Children's and Youth Ministries

Medical and Liability Release Form (for youth and chaperones going on DUMC trips)

Childcare

Hired employees and volunteers care for our youngest set.  Between two and five nurseries are open during our Sunday worship services and childcare is available during most study group meetings during the week.  Pagers are used so parents can return at a moments notice if needed.  All employees and volunteers working with children undergo a background check and adhere to our Safe Sanctuaries Policy.

DUMC's Wellness Policy

Guidelines for Checking Children In and Out of the Nursery

Sunday School

Sunday School classes are available for children who turn two (as of 9/1) through fifth grade at 9:30 a.m., and children ages two through four at 11:00 a.m.  Click here for a Sunday Morning Class Schedule.

 



Children’s Worship: Jesus the Rock "LIVE!"
"...all other ground is sinking sand"
(Matthew 7:24-27)

First through fifth graders are invited to participate in this dynamic 11:00 a.m. worship service held in the Chapel all but the first Sunday of each month.     

 

Expectations for Preschool and Elementary Parents during Sunday School Hours

Procedures for Dropping Off and Picking Up Preschool Children

Safe Sanctuaries Policy

DUMC's Safe Sanctuaries Policy (updated October 2009)

Screening Form for Working with Children and Youth 
  Complete the form online, print, sign, and return to Pat Benfield in the church office

Step 1: Review Safe Sanctuaries Annual Training
Step 2: Complete "Annual Update Quiz," located on the left-hand side of this page
Submission of the Annual Update Quiz is required to ensure you receive credit for updating your Safe Sanctuary status. 

Parental Guidelines and Safe Sanctuary Policies for Children and Youth Programs 2009-2010

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN

Faith Friends
A lively fellowship group for second through fourth graders is offered on Sundays from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (September - May).  Gather each week for an opening assembly with wacky holiday music and skits by none other than YOU!  Rotate to different stations each week with your circle of 6-8 Faith Friends and wind up back together for the closing.  Contact Rev. Ellen Johnson (704-892-8277) for more information.

Route 56
Climb aboard! Fifth and sixth graders will travel Route 56 together as it winds through the preteen years. Experience fun games, snacks, and grappling questions to research with friends.  Sundays, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (September - May).  Contact Menita Mercuri (704-892-8277) for more information.
 
Created by God: Human Sexuality Seminar for Youth in Grades 4-5
Growing up has never been easy.  Being a helpful parent isn’t always easy either. We know that there are sometimes conflicting and confusing feelings of what it means to be a sexual person – male or female. The church has something to say to you to reassure you and to give direction, guidance and information about who you are.  Leadership will be provided by one of our own United Methodist pastors and laity who have been trained or are completing training in this conference sponsored seminar. 

This seminar is offered annually and the dates for 2011 are March 3-5.  A brochure will be mailed to families in early January.  Contact Menita Mercuri or Susan Cavasinni (704-892-8277) for more information.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS takes place each June.  Themes rotate yearly.  Children who are currently enrolled in three-year preschool through fifth grade may participate. Youth in sixth grade and beyond are encouraged to serve as youth assistants. 

The theme for 2010 is "Galactic Blast," a cosmic adventure focusing on praising our wonderful, incredible, amazing, magnificent, and awesome God!  VBS will be offered during two sessions: morning (9:00 a.m.  – noon) June 14–17 at DUMC, and evening (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) August 9-11 at The Ada Jenkins Center. 

Church Family Gathering at Camp Tekoa
Join the DUMC church family each fall for a weekend of fellowship at the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church's sponsored camp in Hendersonville, NC. 

This year's trip is planned for October 1-3; click here for details: Camp Tekoa 2010.  Contact Menita Mercuri (704-892-8277) for more information.

Cub Scouts at DUMC
Scouting is a worldwide program supporting young people in their physical, mental, and spiritual development.  Children and youth may become involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for boys and  Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouts for girls.

Davidson’s Cub Scout Pack #58 is supported by the Men’s Ministry at Davidson United Methodist Church as well as Davidson College Presbyterian Church and Davidson’s Lions Club.  Tigers (grade 1), Wolves (grade 2), Bears (grade 3), and Webelos (grades 4 & 5) work by grade levels in dens on requirements one to three times a month to achieve rank and special awards.  All dens join together for monthly pack meetings and exciting weekend activities. 

For more information on Cub Scout Pack #58, go to http://www.cubpack58.org/index.htm

DUMC’s staff liaison is Rev. Ellen Johnson (704-892-8277 ext. 243).

Cub Scout Promise
I, (name of scout), promise to do my best,
to do my duty to God and my country,
to help other people and to obey the law of the pack.

Cub Scout Law
The cub scout follows Akala (the leader or parent).
The cub scout helps the pack go.
The pack helps the cub scout grow.
The cub scout gives good will.