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CHILDREN - YOUTH - FAMILY

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Welcome! I'm Rae Hamilton, the Children, Youth, & Family (CYF) Director for Centenary UMC. I have been with Centenary for 2 years and love getting to work with kids and youth, playing games, making crafts, learning about God, and growing in our faith. Kids are important to us at Centenary. We are not afraid of a crying baby or a wiggly toddler, and love it when kids and youth ask us the hard questions.  

 

Currently, we have Sunday and Wednesday faith formation opportunities for elementary age kids, an active youth group that meets on Wednesdays during the school year, and I am working to provide more options for infants up through Pre-K. On Sundays, the Kids Corner in the sanctuary, is a special place where elementary age kids can engage in the service while moving their bodies and hands. We also have the Family Room, a space equipped with toys and books for kids and caregivers to use during worship.

 

One thing you may notice about Centenary is children and youth at are included at early ages in mission and social justice work because connection with others and working to improve the world around us are some of the ways we can live out our faith in Christ. We recognize there are many things our kids and youth can do and provide the opportunities for them to be active. 

During the school year, we hope you will join us for our Faith & Fellowship Wednesday Night Programs. These evenings begin with dinner and are followed by classes for K-5th grade, youth group for 6th-12th grade, as well as adult education opportunities. Our Grace & Power Handbell choir also rehearses at this time and new ringers are always welcome.

I send out a weekly email, usually on Mondays, that let our CYF Families know what's ahead for the week (and sometimes even the month!) If you would like to be updated weekly, want to help out, need more info, or have other questions or suggestions, send an email - I'd love to connect!

- Rae

Upcoming Programming and Events

  • Kids + Sunday Children's Programming
    Kids + Sunday Children's Programming
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Oct 06
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 06, 2024, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 06, 2024, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Kids+ take place during our worship service.
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  • Wednesday Faith and Fellowship
    Wednesday Faith and Fellowship
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 09
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 09, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 09, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Join us Wednesdays for a dinner and engaging educational programs for all ages—from kids to adults! There's something for everyone, so bring the whole family!
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  • Joyful Noise: Hands-on Music Fun
    Joyful Noise: Hands-on Music Fun
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 09
    Mankato
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    Mankato, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    Mankato, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Make a joyful sound with bells, boomwhackers, and buckets in this every-other-week music adventure for K-5th graders starting 9/25!
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  • Connect Class- K-5th
    Connect Class- K-5th
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 09
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Dive into Bible stories and fun activities designed just for K-5th graders every Wednesday at 6:30 PM!
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  • Youth Group
    Youth Group
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 09
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 09, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Join fellow teens for games, discussions, and faith-building experiences every Wednesday from 6:30-7:45 PM!
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  • Youth Group
    Youth Group
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 16
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Join fellow teens for games, discussions, and faith-building experiences every Wednesday from 6:30-7:45 PM!
    Share
  • Connect Class
    Connect Class
    Multiple Dates
    Wed, Oct 16
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 16, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Dive into Bible stories and fun activities designed just for K-5th graders every Wednesday at 6:30 PM!
    Share
  • Fall Fest
    Fall Fest
    Sun, Oct 27
    Centenary UMC
    Oct 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Oct 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Centenary UMC, 501 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
    Fall Fest is a Halloween celebration for kids that includes a trunk or treat like experience, except inside. We will have candy, balloon animals, face painting, and games!
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CYF Ministries

Kids+

Sunday Faith Formation

Kids+ is a faith formation opportunity on Sundays for kids K-5th grade. Kids are invited downstairs to Hobart Hall following Children's Time. During Kids+ we check in with each other, read the day's scripture and participate in a craft, game, or other activity related to the Children's Time and worship service. Kids+ ends at 11:30 am when parents/guardians are asked to pick up their kiddos. Some Sundays throughout the year are designated as Mission Sundays where kids will help with a mission or service project in connection with the larger church or community.

The Connect Class*

K-5th Grade

Relevant & classic Bible stories with fun activities. Th year will focus on the NEW Testament! We will learn all about the teachings of Jesus and the disciples. Additionally, Mission Wednesdays will be sprinkled throughout the school year. These are opportinites for kids to participate in a mission or service project, as we learn what it means to be part of something larger than ourselves.

Joyful Noise*

K-5th Grade

An exploration of music via bells, boomwhackers & buckets. This group will learn how to read music, explore instruments, and have fun making a joyful noise together. Meets every other Wednesday, beginning September 25, 2024.

 

* Wednesday programs follow the school calendar, if there is no school, or if school is cancelled or close early, programs will not meet. 

Youth Group*

6th-12th Grade

Youth Group is offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:45 pm downstairs in the youth room, otherwise known as, the Fishbowl! During Youth Group, we will focus on themes and topics relevant to youth while also exploring how God is working in our lives and community. There are Mission Nights throughout the school year where youth will help with mission or service projects at Centenary and occasionally with Connections Shelter or other area organizations, as we learn how to live out our faith. 

Confirmation Classes

9th-12th Grade

Confirmation classes are offered for students in 9th grade or older who have not been confirmed. During Confirmation Classes, students learn more about what it means to be a Christian and a United Methodist. This is a time for students to explore their faith, ask questions, and bond with each other as they learn and grow. Our Confirmation classes include additional group gatherings outside of regular class time with mentors who assist in discernment and answering questions. 

Policies & Procedures

for Children, Youth & Families

Centenary is meant to be a safe place and has a Safe Sanctuaries policy in place designed to provide a safe and positive environment for all members. Anyone who works regularly with children and youth has a background check and training through Safe Gatherings. We ask that families also help us to keep Centenary a safe space and to abide by requests to pick children up from classes and to not let them wander the building alone. Thank you! 

Faith & Fellowship Wednesdays
Starting September 18, 2024 

WEDNESDAY FAITH & FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE

FOR EVERYONE

5:30-6:30PM - Dinner: Rotating weekly menu. Donations appreciated.

 

FOR KIDS - K-5th Grade 

- 6:00-6:30PM. (Every other Wednesday) - Joyful Noise: An exploration of music via bells, boomwhackers & buckets.

- 6:30-7:30PM - Connect Class: Relevant & classic Bible stories with fun activities.

 

FOR YOUTH - 6th-12th Grade

- 6:30-7:45PM - Youth Group: Faith, fellowship, & a dash of teenage snark, just for fun.

 

FOR ADULTS - 6:30-7:30PM

- The Hearth: In-person or online book study & discussion led by Pastor Roger Wolsey.

- The Conversation Crew: Small group inquiry into current topics using Wesley’s Quadrilateral and Cornerstones. 

- Handbell Choir: Weekly rehearsals. New ringers always welcome.

Get in Touch

Questions about CYF? Contact us!

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