Children and Youth
Godly Play for Children
What is Godly Play?
Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. the Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using the sprial curricilum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle, late childhood and beyond. To learn more about the curriculum visit: www.godlyplayfoundation.org
Lake Merritt UMC uses Godly Play every Sunday for the Children’s program.
Children's Sunday School
Available during Sunday Worship
Children between 4 and 11 gather with their families in Sunday worship for the Children’s time at the beginning of worship. From there, they are escorted to the Sunday School classroom for a program centered around Godly Play. Led by trained adult volunteers, the program includes an exploration of bible stories, play and craft time, and child-centric prayer and communion time. All children are welcome!
LMUMC Youth Group
For youth ages 12 and older, the Youth group, led by four adult volunteers, meet during worship service.
Throughout the year the Youth group also participates in field trips and service projects. These include:
Lake Tahoe Youth Retreat
Pizza and a Movie Nights
Oakland/Bay Area cultural events
and more!
This past spring, several of our youth traveled to the US – Mexican border to participate in a service project.
All youth are welcome!
Nursery Care
Available during Sunday Worship
Nursery Care for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old is provided on Sundays during the worship service starting at 10:30am in the nursery. We have excellent staff to be with your child(ren).