OUR MISSION
Hello!
Whether you are brand new to our community or just starting to get settled in, we’re so glad you’re here. Our children’s ministry is more than a program—it’s a shared journey of nurturing faith, wonder, and justice in the lives of our kids. From babies to preteens, there are meaningful ways for families to engage at every age and stage through worship, learning, and service. Whether it’s Sunday mornings, special events, or opportunities to serve, there’s space for your family here.
We believe this ministry is something we build together. It takes all of us—parents, grandparents, caregivers, mentors, and volunteers—to shape a church that reflects the beautiful mosaic of Jesus. Whether you’re showing up with your time, your care, or your resources, your presence helps create the kind of community where children grow in courage, compassion, and belonging.
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At the heart of everything we do is this belief: every child deserves to know they are loved, they matter, and they are valued. Not just in words, but through real relationships—with peers, with caring adults, and across generations. Children thrive when they are known and valued not just as the “future” of the church, but as full participants in it today.
Faith formation happens in worship, in classrooms, and through acts of service—but it’s also found in everyday moments: around the dinner table, in messy crafts, in kind words, and in the people who keep showing up to say, “You are not alone.”
We’re passionate about creating spaces where all children—just as they are—know they belong. And we know that forming faith is a shared journey that flourishes when families and the church partner together. Your presence matters. Together, we’re building an inclusive, vibrant ministry where every child is seen, supported, and invited to grow in faith with their whole selves.
If you have any questions about how to get plugged in, and what your next steps might be I would be happy to help with that! Reach out to me at sballard@boisefumc.org and we can schedule a time to meet up at one of Boise’s cute coffee shops!
Love and light,
Pastor Stacie Ballard
What to Expect on Sunday Mornings
To help Sunday mornings go smoothly, we encourage families to arrive 5–10 minutes before the service starts to check your children in. You’ll do this at the kiosks in the kids’ ministry area—save time by using the Church Center app to begin check-in on your way to church! If your child has a milk or water bottle, please make sure it’s labeled with their name.
After checking in, place your child’s name sticker on their back and hold onto the matching security code—you’ll need it at pick-up. You will then walk your child to their classroom. Before you head into the service, be sure to introduce yourself to the volunteer leading your child’s classroom. We’re so glad to have you with us!
We’re excited to welcome your family! Our kids’ ministry at Amity serves children from 6 months to 12 years old, all together in one shared space. While our curriculum is designed for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, we love having all ages join us.
The kids’ space is located in the other building on campus, just a short walk from the main worship area. For your peace of mind, a volunteer is always stationed at the front desk in the kids’ building to monitor the doors during the service. When you arrive, check in at the kiosks in the kids’ area (or save time by starting in the Church Center app), label any bottles, and place your child’s name sticker on their back. Hold onto the matching security code for pick-up, then walk your child to the kids’ space and meet the volunteer leading the group. We’re so glad to have you with us!
About once a month, we invite kids to join their families in the main worship services for Family Worship Sunday—a special time when our whole church family comes together to learn, sing, and grow in faith together. These Sundays are a discipleship opportunity for both families and the wider church: a chance for kids to witness and participate in the full life of the congregation, and for the church to welcome children and families exactly as they are! We believe that the presence of children and young people in our services are a vital part of our worship – wiggles, giggles, questions and all!
Ongoing Programs
Baptism
If you have a kiddo who is ready to be baptized, you can fill out our Baptism Request Form to schedule a baptism during any of our services!
Buddy Ministry
Spaces Build for Belonging
In our children’s ministry, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated just as they are. That’s why we’re intentional about creating a sensory-friendly environment that supports the needs of neurodivergent kids and communicates a clear message: you belong here. From thoughtful design to inclusive practices, we’re committed to making our space one where every child can engage, grow, and experience God’s love in a way that honors who they are.
Buddies
Our Buddy Ministry is comprised of caring, trained volunteers who partner with families to help every child fully participate in our ministry. Buddies are thoughtfully matched to support each child’s unique needs, working closely with parents, caregivers, and our Buddy Ministry Coordinator to create a safe, supportive, and joy-filled experience. Whether it’s extra encouragement, sensory support, or simply a consistent presence, our buddies are here to help every child feel like they truly belong.
Sensory Room
One of our newest transformations in our Downtown Campus Children’s Ministry space is the addition of a sensory friendly room. This is a calming, supportive space designed for kids who may feel overwhelmed or dysregulated during church. This room will offer sensory tools, cozy seating, and a quiet environment where children can take a break while still feeling connected and cared for. It’s one more way we’re working to make sure every child feels safe, included, and loved in our church community.
Who Can Be a Buddy
If you are interested in being a support for children who need some additional assistance, please reach out to allfamilies@boisefumc.org to connect with our buddy ministry coordinator Katie Wynkoop.
Children's Choir
Our children’s choirs run throughout the school year and take place on Sunday mornings. We follow the Children’s Church schedule for children’s choir so that families can worship together on Family Worship Sundays.
3 years – Kindergarteners: Meet at 10:45 am in the Activity Room in Kid Min.
1 – 5 graders: Meet at 9:45 am in the Choir Room on the main floor.
6th graders are welcome to join Epworth, our youth choir which meets on Sundays at 12 pm!
Email Dr. Dave at djohnson@boisefumc.org with questions!
Confirmation
An 8-week class in the Fall for 6-8th grade students where they will explore their faith and learn more about the United Methodist Church through engaging discussions and meaningful relationships while exploring topics like scripture, worship, and what it means to be a part of a church community. This journey leads to an opportunity to be confirmed and become full members of the United Methodist Church. All 6th-8th grade students are welcome!
Email our youth director Chloe at ckennedy@boisefumc.org with questions!
Parent's Night Out Ministry
Looking for a regular night off? We recognize the love and energy you invest in raising your children, and we want to support you with some quality time for yourself! Our Parent’s Night Out, held once a month, is the perfect opportunity. We welcome children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, offering a safe and fun environment where your kids can enjoy themselves. Let our church family bless your little ones while you relax and recharge each month.
Preteen Ministry
Our Preteen Ministry is designed for those in the in-between—no longer little kids, not quite teens—who are ready to take meaningful steps in their faith. This is a vital time for preteens to lean into leadership, grow in confidence, and explore how God can use their unique gifts. Whether it’s helping lead worship, serving on our Summer Preteen Mission Trip, or taking on new responsibilities in the church, we invite preteens to discover their gifts and that they are not just the future of the church—they are a vital part of it right now.
To learn more, email at allfamilies@boisefumc.org!
Sacred Steps
We wholeheartedly believe that children have a valuable contribution to make in leading our worship, and we’re thrilled to offer a special class designed just for them. A Class for Acolytes will be a fun and enriching experience where children in grades 1 – 5 will learn about the role of an acolyte. They will discover how they can confidently and caringly participate in our services, becoming shining examples of Christ’s love in action.
Wonder of Worship
Wonder of Worship is a worship readiness class held in the Spring during our 11 am service during Lent. This class is a fun way for the kids to learn all about the who, what, where, why, and how’s of worship in developmentally appropriate ways! For questions, email Pastor Stacie at sballard@boisefumc.org.
Kid's Ministry Events
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