Children's Ministry

Jesus made it very clear that children have a supreme place of importance in all our lives when He said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:14).  As faithful Christians we can do no less than to give our children our very best.  You will find our Children’s Ministries here at Duluth First United Methodist Church to be top quality.  If I can help you in any way please don’t hesitate to call.

Yours in Christ,
Leslie Yokeley
Director of Children's Ministries and Christian Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten
e-mail - lyokeley@duluthumc.org

Our Children's Ministry Programs

at Duluth First United Methodist Church

We have a multitude of programs for children of all ages at Duluth First United Methodist Church!

  • CHRISTIAN BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

    CHRISTIAN BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN is offered Monday through Friday during the school year from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Our program provides a loving Christian atmosphere for the growth and nurture of each child. They will have fun and make friends while attending our accredited, award winning school. Christian Beginnings won the “Best of Gwinnett” award in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023! We also won the “Gwinnett Daily Post Reader’s Choice" award in 2019.


    For more information, please contact Leslie Yokeley by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org or Pat Szathmary at pszathmary@duluthumc.org or call 770-497-1743. Registration forms for the 2026-2027 school year are available by clicking on Christian Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten Registration Forms.


    Christian Beginnings Preschool and Kindergarten was featured in the Southwest Gwinnett Magazine for being recognized as one of five local preschools rooted in faith and community. You can read the article by clicking on CHRISTIAN BEGINNINGS ARTICLE.

  • CHILDCARE CORNER: CHILDCARE AT DULUTH FIRST UMC

    Did you know that there was a fully trained childcare staff available at our church?  At Childcare Corner we have a fabulous group of ladies who come here several times a week just to take care of your children.  Children, newborn through pre-Kindergarten, are eligible for childcare in the Duluth First United Methodist Church's Childcare Ministry during the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.  During the 9:30 Sunday School hour, the 3, 4, and 5 year-olds go to their own Sunday School class, while those under 3 stay in the Childcare Ministry.
     
    We also offer childcare several times during the week. It is available to any parent who is here at the church participating in a church sponsored activity (Bible study, choir, etc.) This includes Sunday nights and Wednesday nights throughout the year, Monday nights for women's ensemble as needed, and Tuesday nights as needed for women's Bible studies. Before you say "No" to joining a group at the church because of childcare worries, check and see if childcare is available. There is a good chance that it will be! We look forward to seeing you there.


    For more information about Childcare Corner and the Childcare Ministry at Duluth First UMC, please contact Linda Wettlaufer, Childcare Director, by e-mail at lwettlaufer@duluthumc.org, or at 770-476-3776, ext. 122.

  • CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

    CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are available for preschool children through 5th graders at 9:30 a.m.  Children are grouped by age/grade level determined by their age as of September 1st.  Sunday school is a time for our children of Duluth First UMC to learn with their friends about God and His Word through stories, activities, songs, games and fellowship using United Methodist curriculum.

    9:30 a.m.
    Infants (birth to toddler): Childcare Corner;
    Toddlers (2 years): Childcare Corner;

    3 and 4 year-old:  Childcare Corner;

    Kindergarten through 2nd grade: room C120;

    3rd through 5th grade: room D126.
     
    11:00 a.m.
    Infants (birth to toddler): Childcare Corner;
    Toddlers (2 years): Childcare Corner;
    Preschool (3 & 4 Year Olds):  Childcare Corner.

  • book bunch: resumes on Wednesday, August 19th

    Book Bunch, a story time for kids ages three and four-years old, will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m., beginning on August 19th, in the Louise McDaniel Memorial Library, located on the 2nd floor of the Sheldon Family Life Center. Kids will hear a story being read from a guest reader and they will have an opportunity to check out a book from the library.

    If you would like to be a volunteer Book Bunch reader, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138.

  • Missions Opportunities for Kids: Begins Wednesday, August 19th

    A missions opportunity for kids ages Kindergarten through 5th grade will be available from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings beginning August 19th.  Kids will meet in the Childcare Corner area in room B111 to work on mission projects.

    If you have any questions or would like to be involved in this ministry for children, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138.

  • New Children’s Music Program for Ages Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Begins Wednesday, August 19th

    Our Music and Worship Arts Director, Verena Lucía Anders, will be leading a new Children’s Music program for children, ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade, on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 6:30 p.m. During this time children will sing, play instruments and learn fun songs that can be sung in worship.

    A minimum of 8 registered children is required as well as a commitment of regular attendance. Please e-mail Verena at vanders@duluthumc.org to register your child.

  • DULUTHKIDS: Resumes on Wednesday, august 19th

    DuluthKids is a fun opportunity on Wednesday nights for kids, ages Kindergarten through 5th grade, to gather together for fellowship and Bible study.  Programming is age-appropriate with curriculum designed for the kids. DuluthKids will meet on Wednesday evenings, beginning August 19th, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. in rooms C-122 (Kindergarten - 2nd) and C-121 (3rd - 5th).


    If you have any questions or would like to be involved in this ministry for children, please contact Leslie Yokeley, Director of Children’s Ministries, by e-mail at lyokeley@duluthumc.org, or call 770-476-3776, ext. 138.

  • ACOLYTES

    ACOLYTES are 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who serve at one of the three worship services. They assist during the services with lighting candles, offertory, baptisms, and communion. If you have an interest in being trained to be an Acolyte, please contact the church office at 770-476-3776.