A staffed nursery offering age-appropriate, faith-building activities for children ages infant through 2 years old is available each Sunday during both services, as well as the Sunday school hour. Contact Jane Burns,
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for more information.
Sunday School:
Ages 2 years old through 12th grades
Sunday mornings 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Sunday school at Altoona United Methodist Church is a ministry that is teaching young children, teens and youth about Jesus Christ. Using Group Publishing's curriculum for all levels, our Sunday school classes keep kids engaged and excited because the lessons are R.E.A.L.!
Relational - learners are encouraged to interact with each other, which makes learning more effective AND helps build Christian friendships. Experiential - kids don’t just listen or read—they actually experience the lesson with creative activities. So biblical principles stick with them up to 9 times longer!
Applicable - lessonsincorporate life application, because Christians should be both hearers and doers of the Word.
Learner-based - becausedifferentpeople learn in different ways, so teachers use a variety of teaching methods to draw kids closer to Jesus!
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6.
Parents are always welcome and invited to be a part of their children’s Sunday school time! We love having Dads, Moms and family support children as they grow up in faith!
Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
Noah's Park Children's Church:
Sunday mornings during the 11:00 a.m. service.
Preschool Children's Church
Children ages 3 and 4 years old are invited to have their ‘own’ church time, while you take part in worship! We would love to meet your child and you! This class begins PRIOR to the start of worship, in the room labeled '3's & 4's Preschool Children's Church. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., children will take part in welcoming free play time. They will join the older children for the Noah's Park puppet show worship time and then return to their designated room for a Bible story, activity and craft. This is a fun program they won't want to miss! Please come to the Preschool Children's Church room following the service to pick up your child(ren).
Children's Church
Children 5 years old - 2nd grade also have their own church time during the 11:00 a.m. service. Children will begin in the sanctuary with parents or guardians and will then be dismissed to Noah's Park Children's Church part way through the service by a Children's Ministry leader. Our puppet friend Ponder the Frog is ALWAYS thrilled to meet the kids and teach them something new about how to live their life for Jesus! After the puppet show and songs, children will go to their designated 5 years old - 2nd grade room for a Bible story, activity, craft, and games. This time is especially geared toward this age group, and whether you are members, visitors, or guests, your child(ren) are always welcome in Noah's Park! Parents, please come to the 5 years old - 2nd Grade Children's Church room following the service to pick up your child(ren).
FaithWeaver Friends Midweek:
Ages: Preschool – 6th grades… and ‘kids’ of all ages---including parents!
Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
At FaithWeaver Friends, children are encouraged to focus on the one most important thing in life: a growing relationship with Jesus. By providing meaningful activities, great discussions, and personal challenges, FaithWeaver Friends takes learners past "head knowledge" of the Bible and into heart and life change. As a part of a small group led by an adult leader, children will rotate through discovery centers that include games, craft projects, snacks, and more! Together, they will
experience God's story in fresh, fun, meaningful ways
understand God's word as they experience it through fun activities
discover the adventure of applying God's truth to everyday life
build forever friendships with eachother - and most importantly, Jesus!
There is no charge and friends are ALWAYS welcome!
Vacation Bible School:
Times and Theme: yet to be determined
There are many opportunities for children to have fellowship at Altoona United Methodist Church. From infants to high school students, there is a place for you! And as an adult, there are many different ways to get involved in this important ministry of shaping the spiritual lives of our children! If you are interested in any further information on AUMC Children's Ministries, please contact Shellene Billups,
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.
Music Ministries
OVERVIEW
Thank you for showing interest in the many different music ministries that are available at Altoona United Methodist Church. Music plays an important part in our worship experiences, and we have a passion for making our music glorify God.
If you're curious about what music opportunities await you within the church, you're in the right place!
You don't necessarily need to be able to read music. You don't need to be a professional singer. You need only love music and commit to a regular rehearsal time. I hope that you will consider sharing your musical gifts and talents with our church.
The rehearsal schedules have been created to allow individuals to be a part of more than one musical ensemble. If you see multiple groups that you would like to be a part of, we encourage you to give your gifts to the Lord in all of them!
CHANCEL CHOIR
If you like to sing, this is the place for you. The Chancel Choir sings a wide variety of musical styles. From classical to contemporary, this ensemble sings multiple times per month and rehearses weekly.
Once a year, the Chancel Choir performs a vibrant Christmas production. Last year, singers were costumed from the days of kings and knights and recreated a festive English Christmas celebration as it could have happened centuries ago. The Chancel Choir enjoys the opportunity to share both drama and music in a creative atmosphere.
The Chancel Choir also performs special services accompanied by an orchestra at numerous events throughout the year. Whether it's a new and original work composed specifically for the choir, or a master work by Mozart, this choir will sing it all.
This group is open to everyone who loves to sing. You do not need to be able to read music, but a short vocal placement session with the director is required before attending your first rehearsal.
Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
BELL CHOIR
Prefer ringing to singing? We have that covered, too! The tradition of playing pitched bells has evolved over the centuries into an art form of its own.
This ensemble regularly performs once a month during Sunday services, and at other various special services throughout the year.
Reading music is a plus, but not necessarily required.
Rehearsals: Monday evenings, 7-8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
PRAISE BAND
The praise team worships through more contemporary music during the 11:00 a.m. blended service on Sunday mornings. Drums, guitars, electric keyboards and more combine for an energetic take on Christian music. Voice talents lead the congregation in songs you might hear on the radio along with more contemporary settings of traditional favorites.
If you like to sing pop music or play an instrument found in your favorite band, come rock with us.
A try-out audition may be required for those playing an instrument and basic music or chord reading skills may be necessary.
Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings, 8:00-9:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
Do you play a musical instrument? There are plenty of opportunities to be involved! You can play a solo as a special music offering, or accompany one of the other musical ensembles as needed.
Instrumental ensembles are also a possibility. Ranging from string quartets to brass quintets, we can use your skills. Let the musical director know your instrument of choice!
SOLO MUSIC
Are you looking for a way to serve through music but do not want to commit to a weekly rehearsal? Then perhaps you could prepare a solo offering and perform during a pre-arranged service time. Talk with the musical director and collaborate for an upcoming service.
Thank you,
Brenton M. Brown Director of Music & Fine Arts 515/967-2991 515/957-8284 (F)
Sports Ministries
Sports Ministries are a great way to get to know the people of AUMC while enjoying your favorite games! At AUMC sports ministries include:
Softball
Softball is men, slow-pitch, and recreational. We play in a league here in Altoona. Our games are on Friday nights at Lion's Park. The AUMC team has been together for several years and has reached several new members that are now attending our church. You can contact Matt Millard,
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to join the team. The season usually runs from March through August. The team website is here.
Basketball
Basketball is recreational, played in our Family Life Center on Monday nights starting at 7PM - 8:45PM. We will typically just play pickup games with teams of 5. If we have more than 10 players show up we will rotate players in to make sure everyone gets a chance to play. The season starts in the first week of October through Thanksgiving and then starts back up again the first week of January through March. Please contact Eric Carr for more information at
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.
Jesus Freak Puppet Troupe
Thanks to all our friends for your support of our ministry.
Contact: LeAnn Gaulke
Phone: 515-967-2991 Email:
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Where: Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Ave. S.W., Altoona, IA
This award winning puppet troupe was formed 10 years ago. There are 60+ members ranging in age from 8 - 50+.
Sunday Ministries
Sunday Ministries
We're glad you're here! We offer two distinct worship experiences, traditional and blended. We encourage you to try both to find your fit.
8:30 a.m.—Traditional Worship Service Organ and piano music, hymns, liturgy, choir, hand bells, children’s sermon, and relevant biblical message all help to create a meaningful traditional worship experience. (A staffed nursery for infants-2yrs is available)
9:45 a.m.—Sunday School There are classes for every age: Nursery-Adults
11:00 a.m.— Blended Worship Service Contemporary worship music led by our praise band creatively blends with the choir, hand bells, special music and a relevant biblical message to engage you in a fresh approach to God’s timeless message. A staffed nursery for infants-2yrs is available)
The 11:00 a.m. service offers two special church services designed especially to minister to children.
Noah's Park Children's Church
3s & 4s Preschool
Begins in their room prior to the start of the 11:00 a.m. service.
5yrs - 2nd Grades
Children begin in the sanctuary for the 11:00 a.m. service and are dismissed by a ministry team leader.
Parents, please pick up your Noah's Park child(ren) immediately following the service at their classrooms.
Nursery and Quiet Room
Parents of infants - 2 year olds: a staffed nursery is available during the first and second service, as well as during the Sunday school hour. In addition to the nursery, a quiet room is available where you can both see and hear the service. You can access the Quiet room from the Narthex on the west side of the Sanctuary.
