All children are welcomed and supported in their faith journey at Bellevue UMC.
Nursery
Found in Room 206 & Room 208, infants through Pre-K students are welcome in our nursery on Sunday morning and during other worship and church events. On Sunday morning the nursery opens at 9:00 a.m. It is open 15 minutes prior to other church-wide events when the nursery is available. Paid and volunteer caregivers provide a safe, and loving environment for children to play. Beepers are available for parents to have during the time their child is in the nursery if desired. The Nursery check-in desk is located outside the nursery. Ask anyone for directions to the nursery the first time you visit us- look for the wonderful children’s mural on the student’s ministry wing!
Sunday School
Our Student Sunday School Classes (K-6th grades) are based on United Methodist curriculum. Lessons are taught with the goal of helping students connect the Bible to their everyday life. The students meet in the classrooms on the 200 wing. You can’t miss it, the halls are filled with a colorful mural in bright colors. Classes begin at 9:15am. August through May, students in kindergarten through sixth grades meet in age appropriate groups for study and fun. During the summer kindergarten through 5th-grade students meet together for a unique “One room” program where older students help the younger students in learning. Please drop off and pick up your child at the classroom for each activity.
Worship – 10:30 am
In response to the statement of Jesus concerning children, “For to such belongs the kingdom of God,” we welcome children/students of all ages to our worship services. Worship bags and bulletins are available in the sanctuary on the wall near each entrance to help them focus during worship. Storybooks for early and beginning readers are in decorated crates in the Welcome Center. Pick a book up prior to worship and return it afterward. There is a sound-proof Lambs Room off of the Narthex with a changing table, a private restroom, a comfy rocking chair, and space for a toddler to move.
We also have a time called “All God’s Children” in worship each week. This is simply a few minutes for the children to come forward for an age-appropriate discussion on one of the scriptures or themes of the day. The leaders include the pastors, staff, and other adults who are experienced in leading children.
Ways to engage children in worship
Acolyte Ministry (Grades 4-Middle School)
Students in the fourth grade and older are invited to consider becoming trained to be an acolyte. Acolytes serve us in worship in a variety of ways including lighting candles and helping to present our offerings. We offer acolyte training in September, January, and May for new acolytes. A schedule is set up for the acolytes’ service 4 months in advance to make it easy for families to participate. Contact Rev. Debi Tyree to learn more about this important ministry.
Tween Gathering (Upper Elementary)
Building upon relationships built during Sunday school, choir, and other church ministries, the Tween Gathering is a ministry that prepares younger middle school students for the youth group that they will be introduced to in their 7th-grade year. There is no set schedule as we set activities as interesting programs and activities arise, usually 2-3 times during the year. All students in fifth and sixth grades are invited to participate.
Scouting Ministries
Currently, Boy Scouts meet at Bellevue UMC. Call the church office (615-646-4146) to be connected to the leaders of the troop and to confirm the next meeting dates and times!
Vacation Bible School
VBS is held each year for students ages four through 6th grade. During Vacation Bible School, students learn Bible stories, songs, participate in games, crafts, and experience inter-generational fellowship and mission.
Choirs for Students K-6th grades
Click this LINK for information on Student and Young People’s Choirs.