Kids and Youth at Gravel Hill

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

A safe, loving place for children and teens to grow

From nursery through high school, your children are welcomed, known, and cared for at Gravel Hill United Methodist Church. We believe faith grows best when kids are surrounded by loving adults, meaningful relationships, and the grace of God.
Children are always welcome in worship — and we also offer age-appropriate programs during our 9:15 AM service to help them learn and grow in ways designed just for them.

We’re not a perfect church — just a place where kids are loved, parents are supported, and faith grows together.

What to Expect on Sunday

Nursery (Ages 0-3)

Available during the 9:15 AM service.
Families with young children are always welcome at Gravel Hill!

While we are currently working to relaunch our staffed nursery, our nursery space is available for parents and caregivers who would like a quiet place with their little ones during worship. We also offer a comfortable crying room at the back of the sanctuary.

Children are always welcome to remain with their families in worship at any of our services.

Children (Pre-K through Elementary)

During the 9:15 AM service, children begin in worship and are then invited to a fun, welcoming program designed just for them.

In a warm, one-room setting, kids learn together through:

Superbook, a Bible-based video series that helps children see how God’s Word is still relevant in their lives today
Hands-on crafts and games that bring the stories to life
Prayer and conversation
Time to build friendships

This family-style environment allows children of different ages to learn side by side, feel known, and grow in faith together.

At the 10:30 AM service, children are warmly welcome to remain in worship with their families.

Youth (Middle School & High School)

Youth are welcome in worship at all services, and we also offer a youth gathering during the 9:15 AM service.

During this time, students explore faith together through The Gospel Project — a Bible-centered curriculum that helps youth understand God’s story and why we needed Jesus to come.

Together, youth take part in:

Bible-based discussion
Faith-centered conversations
Activities that help them connect
Growing together in their walk with Christ

Our goal is to help students deepen their faith, build meaningful friendships, and discover how God is at work in their lives.

We believe God loves every child deeply and invites them into a life shaped by grace, wonder, and growing faith. Wherever your family is on your journey — brand new, returning, or just exploring — there is a place for you here.

Safety & Check-In

Your child’s well-being is very important to us.

All of our children’s and youth volunteers are background checked and trained to provide a safe, caring environment. We don’t yet use an electronic check-in system, but our team takes extra care to make sure children are in the right place and well cared for. If your child needs you during the service, one of our volunteers will come find you.

Visiting for the First Time

When you arrive, our welcome team will help you check in and show you where everything is. You don’t need to know where to go — we’re happy to walk with you and help your family feel at home.

If you’d prefer to keep your child with you in worship, that’s always okay too. We love the sound of children in church — you belong here just as you are.

What We Believe About Kids

We believe children aren’t just the future of the church — they are an important part of the church right now.
We create spaces where kids are loved, listened to, and encouraged to grow in God’s grace as they learn about God’s love, the Bible, and what it means to follow Jesus.