Children
Contact: Libby Stephens, Minister with Children and Families
919.828.0897, x212
lstephens@pullen.org
Children do not need to be taught how to “know” God; they are naturally intuitive about their relationship with God. Our mission at Pullen is to foster an understanding of that relationship and offer ways to explore and deepen that relationship.
The children’s programs at Pullen are designed to offer opportunities for children to experience and learn about God. The Sunday school curriculum incorporates stories from the Bible and contemporary sources that focus on people’s relationships with God. In Children’s Worship, children are offered the opportunity to “come close to God” in a worship setting (with a few tweaks that accommodate more wiggles and giggles). In our Wednesday night programs, children learn ways that they can be leaders in the church through the music ministry and through participation in church mission projects. They even learn how they can impact their community and the world and how that is connected to their relationship with God.
Sunday School
9:45-10:45 AM
September through May
All children's programming is on the first floor
Sunday school is a time of learning where children connect with each other and adults and practice ways to strengthen their relationship with God. Emphasis is on teaching children to express their own feelings about biblical stories and themes through a variety of individual and group activities.
Nursery, Toddlers, and Twos
Childcare is provided for our youngest children during the Sunday school hour. The volunteers in the nursery work during both Sunday school and worship to provide a consistent, loving presence for each child. Bible story time and activities are provided for the toddler and two-year-old classes. All these children are invited to remain in their rooms during the 11:00 AM worship hour. Classrooms are located on the first floor.
Preschool
The three- and four-year-old classes use Gathering ‘Round, a new curriculum that emphasizes the connection between church and home, discipleship, and peace and justice issues. The children study Hebrew scripture stories in the fall and New Testament stories in the winter and spring. Children are invited to remain in this classroom during the 11:00 AM worship hour.
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Kindergarten through fifth grade children participate in L.E.A.P. (Learning and Exploring at Pullen), an innovative, educationally sound program that invites children to engage with lessons using various learning approaches/styles.
Children study the same theme or story for four weeks. Each Sunday they experience that story or theme through a different lesson, or “workshop.” Workshops include drama, storytelling, cooking, art, music, and games (the creative possibilities are endless). This model offers many benefits for the children. Several weeks are spent learning and internalizing biblical stories and concepts. It affords continuity for children who aren’t able to attend every Sunday. The various creative workshops, utilizing multiple learning styles, make it fun and appealing to many different children, while engaging all five senses and the total spirit of the child.
All kindergarteners through fifth-graders should be picked up in their classrooms by their parents or guardians at 10:45 AM. Kindergarten, first grade and second grade children are invited to participate in Children’s Worship during the 11:00 AM worship hour. Third, fourth, and fifth grade children participate in worship with their families.
Wednesday Nights
6-7:30 PM
September through May
Nursery through Three-year-olds
Childcare (6:00-7:30 PM)
Experienced staff provides a safe, fun environment for children to engage in creative play.
Four-year-olds through First Grade
Music Discovery (6:00-6:30 PM)
In this age-appropriate, comfortable environment, young children participate in music activity while learning that music-making is an enjoyable and meaningful part of church life.
Activity and Playtime (6:30-7:30 PM)
Each week the children will engage in activities that help them learn about their relationships with family, friends, and God.
Second through Fifth Grade
Children’s Choir (6:00-6:45 PM)
Children in this choir experience a variety of music-making activities and also learn to offer music for worship and other events in the life of the church.
Micah Kids (6:45-7:30 PM)
Micah Kids focuses on how children can live out the message of Micah 6:8, “…what does God require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Activities are designed to help the children understand how they can make a difference in their family, community, and world—right now.
Worship Hour
All children are welcome to attend worship with their families. Childcare and special programs are available for children second grade and younger.
Childcare
Nursery and preschool care are provided during worship by parents and other volunteers on a rotating basis. Children have the opportunity for free play during this hour. The classrooms are stocked with a variety of toys and supplies that invite the children to be creative and have fun.
Children’s Worship (September through May)
Kindergarten, first, and second grade children are invited to follow the light from the main worship service to a special children’s worship experience. Children’s worship uses a curriculum that allows children to experience God through play. Lessons incorporate worship elements, Bible stories, and “work time” for the children to find their own quiet place within.
Children’s worship is held in Room 112. Parents should pick children up after the worship service in this room.
Social Activities
Events for Children and Families
Throughout the year we have fun activities for children of all ages. These events include:
Ice Cream Social
Swim and Pizza Party
Parents’ Night Out
Christmas Play
Easter Egg Hunt
Halloween Carnival
Kids’ Club (Second- through fifth-graders)
Kids’ Club is an additional opportunity for second through fifth graders to gather for fun and fellowship. We play games, have lock-ins, and go bowling and camping. Most events occur on Saturday or Sunday and give kids a chance to socialize with their Pullen friends. Activities are announced in the Pullen Update and newsletter. Some activities require parent participation.