Children

As a church committed to providing a safe sanctuary for all children, the doors to the first and second floor of the Children’s building will require a key fob to enter. Those who do not have a key fob will need to go to the circle desk for admittance or call a member of the Children’s staff for assistance.

We understand safety precautions are not the most hospitable and are an inconvenience, but keeping Kids@Canterbury safe is our priority. If you have not registered for a key fob, you may contact Eleanor Christiansen (eleanor.christiansen@canterburyumc.org) to receive one. Thank you for helping us ensure our children’s safety!

You have a new baby! Children’s Ministry at Canterbury begins at birth. Nursery is provided for children 6 weeks through 4 years of age for all regularly scheduled worship services. Our paid nursery staff are prepared to provide a nurturing environment for your child and are also trained in life-saving measures.

Sunday Morning
Grouped by age, your child will be cared for by loving nursery staff members. Nursery for other activities and church events provided by request. Canterbury uses a computer check-in system as part of our Safe Sanctuary Policy and can be found at the main entrance of the children’s building for Sunday morning nursery.

Wednesday Night
During the school year, the nursery is provided for Wednesday night activities from 5:15 to 7 PM for children two and under. A play area is available at the back of Canterbury Hall for ages 3K & up from 5:15-5:50 PM. Activities begin for 3K – 6th grade at 6:00 PM.

Playcare@Canterbury
Monday-Thursday | 9 AM-1 PM
Need occasional, part-time care for your baby, toddler or preschooler? We welcome you to try PlayCare! We provide care for children of Canterbury members and members of our community. PlayCare provides a loving, caring and fun environment for children ages 6 weeks through 4 years of age.

PlayCare is open year-round with the following exceptions: MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, MBCS Spring Break week, Easter Monday, Memorial week, Vacation Bible Camp week, Juneteenth Day, July 4th, Labor Day week, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the week between Christmas and New Years.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Selena Pitsch  (selena.pitsch@canterburyumc.org). We recommend that you make reservations at least 24 hours in advance, but we will do all we can to accommodate short-notice reservations. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance or you will be billed for your child’s reserved space.

Preschool ministry is for 2K, 3K, 4K children. We teach children they are loved by God and their church family, the Bible is an important book, prayer is how we talk to God and the importance of serving others is pleasing to God. Sunday school classes are led by dedicated volunteers and staff members. We would love the opportunity to be in ministry with your child and hope to welcome your family into our community of faith.

Sunday Mornings
2K – 4K | 9:15-10:15 AM

Sunday School classes meet on the first and second level of the Children’s Building.

Elementary ministry at Canterbury is for kindergarten through 6th-grade children. In elementary ministry, we welcome, engage, and teach your child about the love and grace freely given by God. Our Sunday morning includes large group fellowship followed by small group Sunday school classes led by dedicated volunteers and staff members. We would love to come alongside your elementary student in ministry and to welcome your family into our community of faith at Canterbury.

Sunday Mornings
9:15-10:15 AM

Sunday School classes meet on the second level of the Children’s Building.

Kids@Canterbury understands the transition from Elementary School to Junior High can be challenging. We believe 4th, 5th & 6th graders benefit from learning and having fun separately from our Elementary age children. RISE Ministry allows them their own space, their own programs, and their own director to form stronger bonds before they enter Junior High.

Sunday Mornings
Sunday School meets from 9:15-10:15 AM each Sunday morning.

Wednesday Nights
6:00-7:00 PM
RISE students enjoy 15-20 minutes of fellowship time and then move to their Bible study time.

Choir is available for children 3K through 3rd grade. The choirs meet during Wednesday night activities and have opportunities to sing as a group during Sunday morning services.

Children in 1st-3rd grade learn songs with simple harmonies, are given instruction in music fundamentals and learn to work together as a choir.