Children & Youth Ministries: "Growing in God's Grace"

Grace (Greek: charis) -- the spontaneous, unmerited gift of divine favor.

For all who are led by the spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:14)
Children are a vital part of our congregation, and our Children's Ministry is dedicated to their nurture and spiritual formation! As United Methodists, we see God's grace active in different ways during our lives. These types of grace -- prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying -- may be experienced in children's levels of development.

Prevenient grace --  “God is active in our lives, even when we don’t realize it.” 
For our preschoolers and elementary students (K-5) God's grace is found in the experience of feeling loved, protected, and inspired to learn. In Children's Church, the message is presented through songs and puppet shows. Both younger and older children may work on related crafts, while older children begin to directly engage with scripture and storytelling.

Justifying grace -- “We respond to God’s loving invitation to relationship.”  
Our middle school youth begin to explore the confirmation curriculum (“Christianity 101”), and what it means to choose the path of discipleship — to confirm the baptismal promises once made on their behalf by godparents or sponsors. High schoolers who are seeking baptism or confirmation may join us in this study.

Sanctifying grace --  “We continue our walk towards perfection, guided by the Holy Spirit”
The foundation for future discipleship is laid as senior high students participate in ministries under adult supervision (music, audio/visual, Children’s Church) or
worship with their parents. 

So how does this play out on Sunday mornings?  Keep reading --

Sundays for Children @ LUMC

On the first Sunday of the Month, children stay with their parents to worship and receive communion in the Sanctuary. Activity bags are available at the check-in desk.
On 2nd, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Sundays, our offerings are as follows:

Infant–5 years old: Families have three options:

(1) Squirm anywhere in the sanctuary.
(2) Wiggle in the back of the sanctuary in the Pray-Ground.
(3) Jiggle in the Grand Foyer’s open space.

Children’s Sunday school (6–12 year olds):

Sit with family until after the children’s message with the pastor. Teachers will escort them to the Grand Foyer for sermon-based active lessons or continue to sit with parents.

Youth Sunday school (6th–12th graders):

Choose:
(1) Go upstairs to the Sunday School room.
(2) Go upstairs to assist the audio/visual team.
(3) Go to the sanctuary and fill sermon notes to debrief with parents on the way home.

Camping

Winter Camp (Wrightwood)
February 14 - February 16
Winter Camp Grades 1st – 12th | February 14-16, 2026
Winter Camp is Back. Let’s Break the Ice!
Get ready for a weekend packed with fun, faith, and friendship at Winter Camp: Breaking the Ice! Campers in grades 1–12 will enjoy winter games, campfire worship, creative challenges, and meaningful small group time, all focused on breaking down barriers and building connections that last.
Come warm your heart, even if the weather’s cold, it’s the perfect mid-year camp adventure!
Learn more & register at: www.campwrightwood.org
Summer Camp 2026
Turn The World Around
Where Faith, Fun, and the Future Meet

This summer, join us for an unforgettable week of discovery, friendship, and purpose at Camp Wrightwood! Our 2026 theme, Turn the World Around,  invites campers to dive deep into what it means to care for God’s creation and to be part of transforming the world with love, justice, and hope.
This summer, join us for an unforgettable week of discovery, friendship, and purpose at Camp Wrightwood! Our 2026 theme, Turn the World Around,  invites campers to dive deep into what it means to care for God’s creation and to be part of transforming the world with love, justice, and hope.
Through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and creative worship, we’ll explore how faith calls us to be caretakers of the Earth, from the tiniest creatures to the vast oceans and skies. Together, we’ll learn that even small acts of kindness, stewardship, and compassion can make a big difference in turning the world around.

🌿 What to Expect:
Interactive Bible studies that connect Scripture with caring for creation
Nature hikes, team challenges, and eco-games that bring environmental lessons to life
Arts, music, and storytelling that celebrate God’s good Earth
Campfire worship that inspires us to live out our faith boldly
Meaningful service projects that give back to the community and planet
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a returning friend, this summer is your chance to grow in faith, build community, and discover how you can be part of God’s work of renewal.

🌞 Join us as we turn the World Around one heart, one community, and one creation at a time.
Contact canderson@calpacumc.org with any questions
Camper Registration
Staff Registration
Elementary Camp July 5th- 9th 2026 $395  Jr/Sr High Camp July 12th- 18th 2026 $525
Elementary Camp July 5th- 9th 2026 $395
Jr/Sr High Camp July 12th- 18th 2026 $525