The Children’s Ministry at Dunwoody UMC brings together many people and resources to deliver a variety of active, entertaining and educational programs designed just for kids. From Sunday School to Wednesday night programs, 3-year-olds to 5th graders learn about Jesus, build relationships and have fun as we nurture their faith. All children’s programs are open to members and visitors.
Children’s Ministry Mission Statement:
Our mission is to build a dynamic community of children who come to know God's love through scripture, fellowship, missions and the example of adult leaders. The Children’s Ministry seeks to instill a spirit of compassion, love and stewardship for community, both inside and outside the church walls.
For a printable version of the Children's regular Sunday morning and Wednesday night schedule, click here.
Meet Our Staff
Jennifer Dees
Jennifer serves as the Support Coordinator to the Children's Ministry team. Her role encompasses many things including: Sunday morning logistics and setup, volunteer coordination and communication for all classes and events, KidCheck oversight and an assortment of behind-the-scenes tasks that keep things running smoothly! You will often see her participating in many of the missions and children’s programming at DUMC.
Contact Jennifer
Marianella Lopez
Marianella is fired up for teaching (and learning) about God's love for His children! As the Large Group Coordinator, she creates the Plugged In and Children’s Church lessons each week, providing an experience where kids are able to learn about Jesus while having fun and making lasting friendships! You can find her leading Plugged In, Children’s Church and Grace Kids during the school year. Marianella doesn't see children as "almost people" -- she knows they already have gifts and ideas that can change our world! That's why Marianella encourages kids to ask the big questions and explore their faith without fear of judgment. She is currently studying at Candler Seminary.
Contact Marianella
Tambryn Freund
Tambryn is excited to shift from her Fellowship Coordinator role into the role of Interim Director for the Children's Ministry. She will continue to run the fellowship events and Wednesday night programming for the department. She will also add training of volunteers and staff, collaboration with other church departments and general oversight of the department to her responsibilities. With a background in running children’s events and program management, this role combines some of her favorite work into one position. You can reach out to her with any general Children’s Ministry questions, or any suggestion you may have for our bright future!
Contact TambrynSunday Morning
Children’s Church
This hour teaches the traditions of our faith including songs, prayers, doxology, worship symbols and the same Bible lesson presented in the service at an age-appropriate level with varied activities. Children may be dropped off to the class (8:45 a.m. - meet on the Preschool Hall and 11:05 a.m. - meet in the Children's Library), or dismissed from the service at the announced time. Note: There is no dismissal on Communion Sundays.
Tambryn Freund
Preschool Spark
Spark Sunday School focuses on one priority: Loving God using the First Look curriculum. The Children's Ministry is always looking for volunteers. No training is required, and all materials and lessons are provided for you.
Tambryn Freund
Plugged In (Grades K-5)
Plugged In is Elementary Sunday School that focuses on plugging kids into the power of God using the 252 Basics curriculum. Children participate in age-level small groups for half the hour then join a larger group setting for active, energized worship and story time. Our goal is for every child who participates in Plugged In to grow up knowing 3 basic truths: Wisdom: I need to make the wise choice, Faith: I can trust God no matter what and Friendship: I should treat others the way I want to be treated. These students follow a simplified format in the Summer months, but classes still meet.
Tambryn Freund
Wednesday Night
Grace Kids
Join us for a fun night where we create, play and grow in our relationship with God and with each other! No registration is necessary, but check in through KidCheck is required.
Tambryn Freund
Children’s Tone Chime Choir
This beginning choir uses tone chimes, which are similar to hand bells, and is for third through fifth graders. Music experience is helpful but not required. We perform for various services throughout the year.
Performances vary.
Rev. Sonny Walden
Carol Choir
Carol Choir is for 1st and 2nd graders. It builds on musical knowledge learned in Cherub Choir and encourages young singers through fun with music and participation in worship. Special events include musicals, concerts and the family Christmas Eve service.
Performances vary.
Nicole Norgaard
Cherub Choirs
The Cherub Choirs include Cherub Girls and Cherub Boys, with participants in preschool and kindergarten. Children are introduced to singing, playing rhythm instruments, moving and creating music to share in worship. Children must be 4 years old by September 1 to join.
Performances vary.
Nicole Norgaard
Li’l Lambs
This choir for 3-year-olds is an introduction to singing, moving, creating and playing with emphasis on the preparation to participate in worship. Li'l Lambs is limited to 20 children, with new members joining in January and August each year. Singers must be 3 by August 31.
Performances vary.
Cindy MorrisonChildren's Fellowship Groups
3rd Grade Bible Club
3rd grade is an exciting year at DUMC! All 3rd graders will receive a special Bible presented to them by the church and are invited to participate in our 3rd Grade Bible Club. This program offers the chance to learn more about the greatest book they will ever read through fun activities, games and fellowship! Registration takes place in the summer prior to 3rd grade year.
Tambryn Freund
Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a quarterly event for children in 4th and 5th grade. Fun, food, and fellowship are always a part of this afternoon gathering that serves as a stepping stone towards our youth program. Check the calendar for specific dates and registration information.
Tambryn FreundSafety and Check-In Procedures
CHECK-IN WITH KIDCHECK
For the smoothest check-in, click here to create your KidCheck account before arrival. There will also be an opportunity to register upon arrival.
All children must be checked in at our KidCheck kiosk located in the Activities Building before going to their designated classrooms. Each child will be given a name tag with their location, activity, and any special needs noted.
The security code on the child’s tag will correspond with a separate tag given to the parent. Children must wear a tag for each activity they will be attending to ensure that volunteers know when they will be picked up. The parent is responsible for ensuring that their child is in the appropriate room with a leader at drop off.
PICK UP PROCEDURE
The parent must have their computer generated tag when picking up. In the event the tag is lost, the parent must show ID to ensure that the child is being picked up by the appropriate adult. Volunteers will collect name tags and pick up tags as families depart. In the event that parents have multiple children in multiple locations, they will let the volunteer know that they will need to keep their tag for additional pick-ups.
Vacation Bible School
Rising pre-k - rising 3rd grade
June 17 - 20, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Vacation Bible School is a high energy and fun way for children age four through third grade to grow in their faith journey. This program includes art, games and activities that bring the stories of the Bible to life.
God Squad
rising 4th - 6th Grade
June 17 - 20, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Held the same week as Vacation Bible School, this camp is for rising fourth through sixth graders and includes offsite missions and activities. Please contact Jennifer Dees at jennifer.dees@dunwoodyumc.org with questions.
Upcoming Events
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING OR HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
We would love to welcome you as a Children's Ministry Volunteer! Please reach out to Jennifer Dees, our Support Coordinator, at jennifer.dees@dunwoodyumc.org.
If you have other questions or need more general information about our Children’s Ministry, please contact me!
Tambryn Freund
Children's Ministry Interim Director
tambryn.freund@dunwoodyumc.org
(770) 394-0675 ext. 158