What is Children’s Sabbath?
Children’s Sabbath is a national, multi-faith weekend of worship, education, and action coordinated by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). It shines a spotlight on children’s well-being, lifts up their voices, and calls people of faith to join together in building a more just, loving, and hopeful world for every child. This is our first year celebrating here at UMCG and the theme is “Building Beloved Community.”

Here’s how your child(ren) and youth can get involved:

1. Psalms in the Key of Children 

This creative offering will feature the voices and talents of our children and youth. Plus, Your child can participate even if your family can’t attend worship that Sunday. We know life is busy and we value your contributions! Recordings and contributions will be woven together ahead of time so I ask that they are submitted by Tuesday, October 7th. We’d love to include as many as possible, so please say “yes” and help us make this a true chorus of young voices! The attached document describes what’s being asked for but here’s a quick overview: option #1: complete a “fill in the blank” psalm with your child THEN send that along with a recording of them reading it to heather@genevaumc.org. If they are still an emerging reader it’s totally okay to just send their psalm. Whatever they answer is okay! Sometimes our most genuine prayers are out of the mouths of children. option #2 if your child or youth enjoys art and/or poetry share the included prompts with them and let them create. Then just email a photo of the creation and/or a recording if it’s a poem or art they’d like to describe. I do ask that these are emailed to me by TUESDAY, October 7th so that I have time to compile them into a video. 

2. Worship Roles 

From scripture reading to greeting, leading prayer to ushering—there are many ways both children and youth can serve. We’ve created a SignUpGenius where you can choose a role. And don’t worry—grownups are welcome to come alongside younger friends to help them feel comfortable and confident.

3. “Prayer Ground” Shepherds 

During worship, instead of heading to Sunday school, our PreK–5th graders will remain in the service with us. They’ll gather in a “prayer ground” space on the floor where quiet activities will help them engage in worship. We need a few adults to help shepherd this space with care and encouragement. Please sign up here. Nursery will remain open for our littlest ones.

This is a special chance for us to celebrate all voices and all ages, shaping and leading us in worship. And to remember that we too are children of God. I hope you’ll join in making Children’s Sabbath a beautiful, joy-filled witness to God’s dream for the world.

4. Share in Singing

As a part of the Sunday school on Oct. 5th and 12th we will have a music rotation where children will be learning a portion of the song “Build me a World.” Feel free to listen at home to become familiar with the tune. 

Children & Youth Ministry Overview

The United Methodist Church of Geneva is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of children and youth through engaging programs and meaningful ministries. From Sunday school and interactive worship experiences to youth groups and service projects, the church creates a welcoming space where young people can explore their faith, build lasting friendships, and develop a strong  spiritual foundation  By combining education, mentorship, and community, the church empowers children and youth to grow in their relationship with God and make a positive impact in the world around them

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Please register your kids for Fall 2025 Sunday School Here.

UMCG KIDS FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 7!


Preschool: 3 year-olds (3 years old by Sept. 1) through 5th grade participate in First Steps in Faith, a creative an imaginative approach to teaching the stories of God’s people. Using a rotation model that includes activities like science, art, games and cooking, First Steps in Faith connects Biblical stories with the child’s own experience and encourages curiosity and imagination as we discover the mystery and joy of God.

  • Infants through toddlers are cared for in the nursery.
  • Preschool: 3 year-olds (3 years old by Sept. 1) through 5th grade
  • Preschool-aged children through 5th grade attend the beginning of worship with their family and following Words for Children, are dismissed as a group.

Our little ones are cared for by nurturing adults and youth who provide a warm and comforting experience. You will be asked to sign in when you drop off and pick up your child. Submitting a Children’s Ministry registration form will give us additional information about your child and enable us to better care for him or her.

YOUTH MINISTRY

At UMCG, we strive to connect Youth with one another and inter-generationally through fellowship, study, and worship opportunities for all ages. Youth will feel welcomed and respected for who they are.

Sunday Morning at 9:00 am, starting with Starbucks Sunday on September 14!

1st Sunday — Worship Together 

A time to gather in worship with the whole church family. Students are invited to participate in the service at their own comfort level—whether that’s simply soaking in the worship experience or if they’d like to offer the reading, help with music, or assist in serving communion. 

2nd Sunday — Starbucks Sunday

Gather in the atrium to walk over together for a coffee (or hot chocolate!) with mentors and friends. This is all about building friendships, sharing stories, and growing faith through connection in a relaxed environment.

3rd/4th/5th Sundays — Flex & Faith Sundays

Choose Your Calling: Serve. Worship. Learn. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month, UMCG youth are invited into Flex & Faith Sundays—a time to explore their faith through choice and purpose. We want to empower our youth to listen for where God is leading them—and give them space to grow through service, reflection, and community. 

These Sundays, they can Choose Their Calling:

Youth Activities

Youth Group meets throughout the year for different activities and mission projects. Our first event is Sunday, September 14 at 5:30 pm. Please page through the calendar of events below. 

Confirmation

Our Confirmation program is a joint effort offered for youth at Wesley: Aurora, Baker Memorial, Batavia, and Geneva United Methodist Churches. Running from January to May, the program is designed for youth in 6th grade and up who demonstrate readiness for confirmation, including those who have not yet been baptized. Classes are led by the pastors of these four churches and focus on deepening understanding of the Christian faith, the United Methodist tradition, and the individual’s relationship with God.

In the United Methodist tradition, confirmation is a significant step in a person’s faith journey, where youth publicly affirm the baptismal vows made on their behalf as infants—or, for those not yet baptized, take the step of baptism as they make their personal commitment to Christ. This process helps confirmands grow in their understanding of God’s grace and the life of discipleship. Through classes, discussions, and retreats, confirmands explore the Bible, the church’s beliefs, and how to live out their faith in daily life.

The outcome of confirmation is not only a personal affirmation of faith but also a deeper commitment to the church community. Confirmands are welcomed into full participation in the life and ministry of the church, embracing their call as disciples of Christ.

To learn more about the Confirmation program, please contact Pastor Rob or Pastor Heather.

Appalachia Service Project

Youth ages 14 and over are invited to join us on our ASP Trip Each Summer.  Click the graphic to take you to the ASP page.