Children’s Ministry
At Zionsville UMC, we deeply value children and believe in their unique role in God's story. We partner with families to help children know, love, and serve Jesus, laying a strong foundation for lifelong faith.
Together with parents, we are raising up young disciples by creating spaces where every child feels safe, known, and loved—and where they can discover their God-given purpose and build lasting friendships.
What We’re About
Our Sunday ministry invites children to:
Explore and discover God through: Worship, Learning, Prayer, Serving, and Play
Build friendships and faith in environments designed especially for them
Be supported by consistent, caring leaders
Feel seen, heard, and valued as part of our church family
We’re here to support you as a parent, equipping you to lead spiritually at home, while we walk alongside you at church.
What Does a Typical Sunday Look Like?
Here’s what you can expect on a Sunday morning:
All ages should check in at the stations inside Door 2 before worship.
Infant - PreK: Go directly to age-specific rooms for the entire service.
K-5th grade begins in the sanctuary.
Why We Do It This Way
We believe:
Worshipping together as a church family builds unity and belonging
Children benefit from hearing the Word in a way that connects with their age and understanding
Strong relationships with trusted adult leaders help faith stick
Church should be a place where kids feel known, safe, and loved
When & Where
Children’s Ministry (ages 3–5th grade) meets every Sunday at 9:30am. Nursery and pre-K programming only is available at 11:00am.
Have Questions?
We’d love to connect with you! Contact Tracy Vermillion, Director of Children’s Ministry: tvermillion@zumc.org
You can read through more FAQs about what to expect on Sunday mornings, here: What to Expect on Sunday Mornings
Childcare (0-2 year olds)
If you have younger children who are not yet old enough for one of the Sunday morning classes, we have several options for you.
Bring Them With You Into the Sanctuary Your children are always welcome to join us in the main sanctuary. We have activity bags you can pick up from an usher and you can definitely bring snacks from home if you find those helpful.
Childcare We have childcare spaces set up for our families in the classrooms down the children's ministry hallway. You'll find a nursery space for infants-2 year olds available in Room 10! Our volunteers, including childcare leaders, must submit to a background check and attend mandatory child protection policy training. For your child's safety, our volunteers never serve alone.
Parent Resource Space If you find your child has a little too much energy for the sanctuary or is talking a little louder than you'd like, you can watch the service from our parent resource space. This space has puzzles, books, and some toys for your child and for parents, comfy couches and chairs as well as a large TV to livestream the service. You'll find this space off the lobby behind the welcome center.
Nursing Mothers If you are a nursing mother we have space set aside for you while you're here on a Sunday morning. As you exit the sanctuary, turn left and you'll a room with several rocking chairs, plus chairs, and a couch for your convenience and comfort. We also have a TV in this space so that you livestream the service.
Route 45 (4th & 5th Graders)
Sunday Mornings
Route 45 meets Sunday Mornings at 9:30 in Room C113 from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Join Andrew and the crew to dive into the Bible, have conversations, play games, and build friendships. After checking in, please start the service in the sanctuary with your family, and then come to your room once all children and youth are released from the service.
Beyond Sunday Mornings
Route 45 is our ministry for 4th and 5th graders. We meet once a month on Sunday afternoons from 2:00–3:00 p.m. for exciting activities that help kids build friendships, grow in their faith, and have a blast together. From giant hide-and-seek games throughout the church and summer water balloon competitions to retreats, service projects, and time exploring God's Word, there's something for everyone.
Route 45 Meeting Dates
2026
October 25, 2:00-4:00
November 29, 2:00-3:00
December 20, 2:00-3:00
2027
January 31, 2:00-3:00
February 28, 2:00-3:00
March 21, 10:00-2:00
April 25, 2:00-3:00
May 23, 2:00-3:00
Photography Announcement
Periodically, we will have a photographer take pictures of our ZUMKidz Sunday experience and events. We capture these experiences to share through our website, printed material and social media. If you prefer not to have your child photographed for this purpose, please contact Tracy Vermillion (tvermillion@zumc.org).
Parent Resources
Topics include:
Faith conversations
Emotional conversations
Click here to access our Parent Resources page.
Parent Newsletter
Would you like to receive our weekly parent newsletter via email? The newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date on all things children’s ministry at Zionsville UMC.
Click here to send an email to Tracy Vermillion, Director of Children's Ministry.
Upcoming Events
Trunk or Treat - October 25, 3:00pm
Sunday, October 25, from 3:00-5:00pm, in the ZUMC parking lot---everyone from the community is invited! You can decorate your trunk and hand out candy as children go from car to car. If you can't decorate your trunk then please consider donating candy for the event. Candy donations can be dropped off in the church office now through October 25.
While you're here, lend a hand with a simple service project. We'll have a table set up to sort donated Bambas socks for neighbors served by Fletcher Place.
Sign Up for Decorating a Trunk or Donating Candy
Christmas Musical - December 13, both worship services
Journey through ancient Bethlehem with The Daughters of Ezra, who manage the Inn which would soon have no room for Jesus. Join the townspeople in the “Census Slide” as they creatively navigate the challenges of a town overrun by people traveling for the census. Meet a young, spunky Mary and her lovable donkey, Yipyip, as they mambo through the town. Experience some unique, rapping shepherds in a way you never have, and reflect on how people so long ago might have had the same longings for hope and deliverance that we have today.