CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
What a privilege it is to care for tiny babies, to challenge and nurture preschool children, and to pose real life questions to grade school boys and girls who want some practice in living out the biblical truths. Our Children's Ministry encompasses these experiences and more! We design programs for children and families in settings for fellowship, lively worship, hands-on service, and classroom Christian education.
Staff members who partner with you in helping ministries come to life:
Rev. Abby Hedgecock, Minister of Education
Menita Mercuri, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Susan Cavasinni, Administrative Assistant to Children's and Youth Ministries
Childcare
Our nurseries for newborn babies through older toddlers are bright, immaculate, and well-staffed. Loving, specialized care is offered throughout the morning on Sundays. 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 are age two through fifth grade at 9:30 a.m. Boys and girls from ages 2 through kindergarten also have Sunday School 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)
Grades K-5 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 through the school year.
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 (updated August 2011)
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
Children's Group
A lively fellowship group for second and third graders is offered on Sundays from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (September - April). Contact Rev. Abby Hedgecock (704-892-8277) for more information.
Route 45
Climb aboard! Fourth and fifth graders will travel Route 45 together as it winds through the preteen years. Experience fun games, snacks, and grappling questions to research with friends. Sundays (September - May) from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. with an optional dinner from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Contact Menita Mercuri (704-892-8277) for more information.
Kick off Fall Harvest of Blessings: Sunday, October 16 from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Regular meetings: October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20;, 2011 February 26, March 4, 11, 18, 2012
Year end wrap up Easter Party and Egg Hunt: Sunday, March 25 (Time TBD)
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 The dates for 2012 are March 8 – 10. A Q&A session for parents will be held one Wednesday evening in January (date/time TBD). A brochure will typically be mailed to families in early January. Contact Menita Mercuri or Susan Cavasinni (704-892-8277) for more information.
Running the Race: Human Sexuality for Middle Schoolers – March 9 & 10
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. Fourth and fifth grades will have an experience all their own! Youth in sixth grade and beyond are encouraged to serve as youth assistants.
2012 VBS dates TBA.
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.
The 2011 gathering, "The Vital Link," is planned for Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2. Click here for details. Questions? Contact Menita Mercuri (704-892-8277).
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. Abby Hedgecock (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.