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Our children’s Director, Holly Tozer, leads this Wednesday evening group for kindergarten through the 5th grade. They meet from 6:00 to 7:30pm. The children read from the Bible, listen to lessons, play games, sing songs, make crafts, and eat snacks.
They have been known to go kite-flying, dangling-donut-eating, and ice skating! And Messy Wednesdays are nothing to laugh at – or maybe they are!
As the kids grow in their church, they all look forward to continuing with their friends in the Youth Group that picks up in the 6th grade.
The kids’ Sunday school is from 9:30 until 10:30 every Sunday Morning. Kids pre-k through the 5th grade are welcome. GCUMC wants all our kids to feel the very real presence of God in their lives.
The children come together for Children’s Church in rooms 109/110. They typically start with opening prayer, learn songs and hear Miss Holly’s sermon.
If children bring a tithe offering, it is collected and used to purchase from Heifer International; honey bees, ducks and chickens. They have also contributed to help purchase bicycles and water systems for our Cuba mission as well as local pet shelters here and more, more, more. Important lessons presented in a simple manner! They learn about tithing, because 10% of what is collected every Sunday goes to GCUMC operating costs.
Then everyone goes to their age-appropriate classroom. Our lessons are based off the Pastor’s Sermon. Children read the scripture and then discuss what it means to them in their lives
A central tenet of the Christian faith is the inherent value and worth of all children, youth, and adults. Children and youth are least able to protect themselves in society and are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The Gulf Cove United Methodist Church is serious about doing what we can to protect the youth and children who participate in the life of this congregation.
Child abuse prevention and ministry protection policies and procedures are essential for congregations, not only for the protection and safety of our children and youth, but also for our volunteers and staff. The Pastor and Staff Parish Relations Committee have created our Child/Youth Protection Policy. For additional information you may visit the Florida Conference – Ministry Protection web page.
Adult volunteers and church staff members who regularly work with the Church’s children/youth undergo regular background screening. At the present time background screening is good for 3 years after which time a re-screening will be necessary. The company used by Gulf Cove UMC to perform background checks is Trak-1 Technology.
Each person applying to work with children and/or youth shall “authorize” the church to conduct a criminal background check. Download, complete and return the Background Investigation Authorization Form to the Gulf Cove UMC office.
In addition to criminal background checks, it is important to participate in training that focuses on protecting our children and youth. Participation in this training program is required of all staff members as well as adult volunteers wishing to be certified. Staff, adult and youth volunteers who do not have current background checks or have not completed recent training can assist but only under the supervision of certified personnel.
Holly Tozer, our Children’s Director, has developed a Child and Youth Protection Training module that consists of a slide presentation including an informative video. Prior to participating in the training module you will want to download and become familiar with GCUMC’s Child and Youth Protection Policy.
Download the Child/Youth Protection Training Slide Show
After completing the Certification Quiz you will need to download and complete the Participation Covenant Statement as you will need to turn in this form to our office. This completes the requirements for certification. Please be aware our Pastor or other church leader may request an personal interview before final certification.