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:
Ages 3–1st Grade
Check in before worship
Go directly to age-specific classrooms for the full service
2nd–5th Grade
Begin in worship with their families (first 20–25 minutes)
Dismissed to classrooms with peers for the remaining 35–40 minutes
This rhythm allows kids to experience church as the body of Christ with all ages while also engaging in meaningful learning at their own level.
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 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM during both worship services.
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.
Parent Meeting
We'd love to invite you to a Route 45 Parent Meeting on September 20 at 11:00am in Room C109 to learn about all the fun and meaningful experiences planned for the year ahead. Join us at the parent meeting to meet the leaders, hear about this year's schedule, ask questions, and discover how your child can be part of Route 45. We look forward to partnering with your family for an amazing year!
Children’s Christmas Musical
Calling all kids aged kindergarten - 6th grade! Christmas is just around the corner, and we'd love for your child to be part of this year's Christmas Musical! Whether your child loves to sing, act, dance, or simply enjoys being with friends, there's a place for everyone. No experience is needed—just a willing heart and a little Christmas spirit! Together we'll laugh, learn, make new friends, and share the incredible story of Jesus' birth with our church and community. Parents, You're Invited!
Come learn everything you need to know about this year's production.
Parent Information Meeting on Zoom: September 9 at 8:30pm
We'll share:
Performance dates
Rehearsal schedule
Volunteer opportunities
Costume information
How every child can be involved
First Rehearsal: Sunday, September 13, 10:45am in C109
This first rehearsal is all about meeting new friends, learning about the musical, and having fun together! Regular rehearsals will be on Wednesdays and Sundays going forward.
Auditions: If you're 3rd - 6th grade and are Interested in a speaking or featured singing role? We'd love to see your child audition!
Audition Dates: Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22
Don't worry—auditions are fun, encouraging, and open to everyone who would like to participate. Children who don't audition will still have an important role in the musical!
Ready to make some Christmas memories? We can't wait to celebrate the season together as we tell the greatest story ever told. Join us for an unforgettable Christmas filled with music, laughter, friendship, and the joy of sharing God's love!
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
PreK – 5th Grade End-of-Summer Foam Party!
Let's celebrate an amazing summer and kick off a new ministry year with a whole lot of fun! Join us immediately after worship at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, for an End-of-Summer Foam Party out back by the shelter. Bring your swimsuit or clothes you don't mind getting wet, a towel, and get ready to jump into mountains of foam, play with friends, and make one last splash before the school year gets into full swing.
Bible Milestone: Third Grade Students - September 13 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel
You and your child are invited to a special Bible Milestone Lunch and Parent Workshop as we celebrate this exciting step in your child's faith journey. Childcare will be provided for younger siblings. During this special event, you'll receive your child's Bible and explore practical ways to read, understand, and enjoy God's Word together as a family. We'll share simple strategies and resources to help make the Bible a meaningful part of your everyday life. On Sunday, September 20, your child will be recognized during worship and receive a special Bible presentation. Please RSVP Here.
Children’s Christmas Musical
Calling all kids aged kindergarten - 6th grade! Christmas is just around the corner, and we'd love for your child to be part of this year's Christmas Musical! Whether your child loves to sing, act, dance, or simply enjoys being with friends, there's a place for everyone. No experience is needed—just a willing heart and a little Christmas spirit! Together we'll laugh, learn, make new friends, and share the incredible story of Jesus' birth with our church and community. Parents, You're Invited!
Come learn everything you need to know about this year's production.
Parent Information Meeting on Zoom: September 9 at 8:30pm
We'll share:
Performance dates
Rehearsal schedule
Volunteer opportunities
Costume information
How every child can be involved
First Rehearsal: Sunday, September 13, 10:45am in C109
This first rehearsal is all about meeting new friends, learning about the musical, and having fun together! Regular rehearsals will be on Wednesdays and Sundays going forward.
Auditions: If you're 3rd - 6th grade and are Interested in a speaking or featured singing role? We'd love to see your child audition!
Audition Dates: Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22
Don't worry—auditions are fun, encouraging, and open to everyone who would like to participate. Children who don't audition will still have an important role in the musical!
Ready to make some Christmas memories? We can't wait to celebrate the season together as we tell the greatest story ever told. Join us for an unforgettable Christmas filled with music, laughter, friendship, and the joy of sharing God's love!