Children's Ministries

The goal of programs for children is to promote the spiritual growth in children and their families. Our activities will be fun, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate for children birth through 6th grade. Ministering to the family is just as important as ministering to the needs of the children. Programs are designed with the family in mind and rely on the talents of the older members of the family.



Christ Kids Sunday School
Christ Kids Sunday School for ages 3 yrs - 5th grades begins at 9:45 a.m.  Parents may pick them up at 10:30 a.m. At Smithfield, we have age appropriate curriculum for all and are currently broken into three age groups.  Nursery (3yrs – Pre-K), Elementary (K – 3rd grade), & Totally Tweens (4th & 5th grades).  The goal of our Children's education department is to improve each child's understanding of the Bible and God's blessings for them. All classes meet in the classrooms in the Main building.

Vacation Bible School
Each summer, Smithfield UMC and the community come alive as everyone participates in a week of exciting programs during Vacation Bible School. Children ages 3 through 5th grade will enjoy spiritual growth, community belonging and the experience of biblical story. Click here for information on registration.

Acolytes
Smithfield United Methodist Church worship services are led by a team of acolytes each week. These children undergo a special training class that teaches them to bring “The Light of Christ” to worship by igniting the alter candles for a call to worship before services begin. The acolytes extinguish the candles at the end of the service and remind us that each of us is called to carry the “Light of Christ” into the world as they symbolically leave with their wands lit. Any child in 1st grade or higher is invited to attend acolyte training and to become a part of this very special ministry. More information on becoming an Acolyte please contact Laurie Rollins through our church office.

Children's Worship

But Jesus called them to him, saying,
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them;
for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”  –Luke 18:16

We welcome you and your child in worship! We encourage you to reference the tips below to help involve your child in the worship of our God.

Children’s Sermon is offered each Sunday during the 10:50 service by the Pastor or an assigned leader. A short message designed specifically for them and a prayer is provided lovingly to those present. Afterwards, children return to their parent(s) or nursery.

Worship Kits are small bags of activities provided during each worship service. They can be picked up in the Narthex (outside the Sanctuary). Please return the Worship Kit to the basket following the worship service.

Children’s Worship Bulletins are specially designed for children and are available from the ushers upon entry to the Sanctuary. They offer special activities for children that supplement the lectionary scripture texts for the day.

Special Events
During the year, the Children's Ministries at Smithfield provide opportunities for celebration, learning, and spiritual growth. These include an Easter program, Promotion Sunday, Celebration Sunday, Christmas program and more!

TGIW
Each Wednesday during TGIW (Thank Goodness Its Wednesday) the children have an opportunity to boost their week by fellowshipping with other kids their age in small group activities. Our Cherub Choir for ages 3 yrs – K meets in our Music Room in the Main building at 6:30 p.m. This group meets for 30 minutes and is all about singing and movement to glorify God. For ages 1st – 5th grades from 7 – 8 p.m. in our Family Life Center (FLC) we have our Smifie Club which does numerous different activities from movies to games.