Children’s Ministry

Children’s ministry is one of the oldest areas of work within the Estonian Methodist Church (EMC). Despite the fact that during the Soviet era all activities with children in churches were strictly prohibited, they were still carried out unofficially. Home birthday parties, summer camps, and other means were used for this purpose. Before and during Estonia’s re-independence, children’s ministry became more active, and many new children joined the Sunday schools of congregations.

Today, the activities of the EMC Children’s Ministry Committee are focused on supporting and training parents, Sunday school teachers, and church co-workers. The committee’s goal is to strengthen church workers to support the spiritual growth of children in congregations and, through this, to nurture a new generation of the church.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY COMMITTEE

• Lea Kübar

• Annika Paja

• Külli Kuusemaa

• Lii Lilleoja

• Leelo Sarik

TRAINING DAYS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

Twice a year (in April and November), the Children’s Ministry Committee organizes practical training days for children’s ministry workers.

WEBINAR SERIES “OUR CHILDREN IN THE CHURCH”

In January 2024, the EMC Children’s Ministry Committee, in cooperation with the EMC Theological Seminary, launched a practical online series on Christian education for parents and children’s ministry workers. The webinar speakers include various Christian specialists—psychologists, family counselors, pastoral care workers, speech therapists, and educational consultants—from both our church and other denominations.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY IN OUR CONGREGATIONS

In Estonian:

• Tallinn – Every Sunday at 10:00. After the children’s sermon, children go to Sunday school.

• Võru – Every Sunday at 11:00. After the worship, children go to Sunday school.

• Tartu – Twice a month on Sundays.

• Reeküla – Sundays at 11:00. After the children’s sermon, children go to Sunday school.

• Rakvere – During the Sunday service.

• Pärnu – Sundays include a children’s sermon and an opportunity for young children to stay in a designated children’s corner during the service. Once a month on Saturdays, there is a Children’s Church.

In Russian:

• Tallinn – Sundays at 13:30.

• Tallinn (New Beginning Church) – Sundays at 15:15, during worship service

• Aseri – Sundays at 12:00.

• Jõhvi – Sundays at 10:00.

• Kohtla-Järve – Sundays at 14:00.

• Narva – Sundays at 13:30.

• Paldiski – Sundays at 10:00.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MATERIALS

The EMK Children’s Ministry Committee has developed several materials available here (Children’s Ministry Materials).
During gatherings of children’s ministry workers, new materials are introduced, and experiences and resources are shared.
Additional ideas can also be found in the Facebook group “EMK Lastetöö ideed ja materjalid” (“EMK Children’s Ministry Ideas and Materials”).