Children

We recognize that every child is on their own personal journey with Christ. We desire to expand that walk through Bible lessons that give them a foundation in God’s Word and a knowledge of God’s deep and unending love for them in Jesus Christ. We open our Bibles, explore truths in the stories and present those truths in ways they can understand and apply to their lives daily.  We offer opportunities for fun & growth on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

Sunday School

Nursery

(Birth – 2 years)

Tender loving care is available in our nursery during all worship services. Care is provided by trained day-care staff that love Jesus and love to share that with young children through play, music and affection.

Wednesday Night

Vacation Bible School

FAQ

Is it ok to bring my child to church?
Absolutely!!! Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14). We welcome all of our children in church. If you however would prefer nursery care is available for birth – 2 year olds.

What is available on Sunday mornings for my child?

Nursery care is available from 8 to 11:25 AM for children age 2 and under.

Sunday school options for kids ages 3 and to 6th Grade include:

  • Outreach 8:15 – 9:15
  • Fellowship 9:15 – 10:15
  • Sunday School   10:15 -11:15

If my child is in AK or was in AK which class should they be in?
If your child is in AK they can join the kindergarten class or the 4 year old/PreK class. Once your child enters kindergarten they may either spend one more year in the kindergarten class (so they will be with the children they go to school with), or join the class moving on to 1st grade.

What’s Wednesday night outreach all about?

Wednesday night outreach is our Wednesday evening program where we all “get connected” to Christ through games, large & small group activities, crafts and more! Children age 3 through fourth grade are welcome for classroom activities. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers.

When is nursery care available?
Sundays: From 8:00 AM – 11:25 AM
Wednesdays: 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM

Is there an age limit in the nursery?
Nursery care is for birth through 2-year-olds.

What to expect on your first visit to Children’s Discipleship?

  • Anyone attending Children’s Discipleship programing must check in and receive a name sticker from the Check In counter located in the SE corner of The Center.
  • Before you arrive
  • On your first visit, come to the Check In counter located in the SE Corner of The Center and a volunteer will assist you with the Check In/Check Out process and show you to your age appropriate classrooms. 

  How do you check in children for Children’s Discipleship programming?

Who can I go to if I have concerns about my child or the programs at Marion Methodist?

Please contact Dani Showalter, Director of Christian Education and Discipleship for Children, at dshowalter@marionmethodist.org. If you do not feel comfortable for any reason in speaking to Dani, you can contact Rev. Mike Morgan at mmorgan@marionmethodist.org or (319) 377-4856.

Volunteers are needed!

If you are feeling the nudge to help out in Pathfinders Children’s Discipleship, it is easy to volunteer! The only qualifications are that you love Jesus, love kids, register to volunteer, and fill out a background check form. We will take care of the rest, including all the training and support you need to direct kids to Jesus Christ!

Volunteer FAQs

Meet the Director of Children’s Discipleship

I’m Dani Showalter, Director of Children’s Discipleship. I teach dance during the school year in Troy Mills, and I have a great love for learning (I earned my degree in Elementary Education at Mount Mercy). I live in Marion with my husband Jason, my kids Addy and Aiden, and my 2 dogs Callie and Wrigley (Go Cubs!) I really enjoy spending time with the kids who attend our church, and building relationships with their families. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” -Matthew 5:8 (NIV) 

Meet the Nursery Coordinator

Jen Hungate is the Nursery Coordinator and a special education teacher at Center Point Urbana Primary School. She has been teaching special education for thirteen years. She lives in Marion with her husband, Mike, and their daughter Loren (19). Their middle son Jacob (21) lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their oldest son, Tyler (23) and his wife Bailey (24) live in Urbana and they are expecting a baby girl in January. Jen has 3 dogs, their names are Bailey, Kasey, and Chloe. She enjoys being able to help the youngest members of our church start their relationship with God.

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