Our Church Life


Preschool

Sandy Springs United Methodist Preschool is a Preschool of Excellence and is certified by the United Methodist Preschool Association of the North Georgia Conference.   The preschool is also licensed by the state of Georgia's "Bright From the Start."  The preschool commits itself to providing a warm, stimulating, and safe learning environment. The preschool is housed primarily in the Hitson Activity Center (see below). For more detailed information about the preschool or to arrange a tour, call 404-250-9455.

Children

KidsJAM (Jesus And Me) is the children’s ministry of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church. KidsJAM includes a nursery for infants through two-year-olds, Lil’K for ages three through Kindergarten, and KidsJAM for 1st through 5th graders. Our mission is to instill the love of the Lord in the hearts and minds of children.

Vibrant, media-driven curriculum, coupled with teachers who sincerely care, drives the Sunday-school hour from 9:45 until 10:45 every week. During this time, our children experience the truth of God’s Word through creatively-taught Bible stories and active learning experiences. Our children’s Sunday experience is relevant to their daily lives.

We believe that by teaching children to develop a Biblical worldview and to truly understand God’s amazing love, we can influence their everyday choices and actions to help change the world. We can ignite an awakening that will impact generations to come.

In addition to the weekly Sunday-school hour, Children’s Church is available during the 11:00 Sunday morning worship service for children ages four through 1st grade. Children’s choir meets on Wednesday evenings and performs a musical several times a year.

Also, an exciting, week-long Vacation Bible School takes place each summer. Many other experiences are available during the year, such as our annual Easter Egg Hunt, birthday celebrations, Christmas parties, etc. SSUMC is a place where children are growing up loving Christ, living the Christian life, and learning to be leaders for God’s Kingdom. We pray you will come and join us!

Family

Our Family ministry seeks to provide learning, fellowship, and support activities such that our families grow and mature in their Christian faith. We truly seek to be a church family as we grow as disciples. A variety of social events augment our Sunday school and worship times.

Twice a year (fall and spring) we hold family picnics specifically for those with young children.  We also have "Parent's Night Out" twice a year - we'll provide fun activities for the children on a Friday evening so Mom and Dad can enjoy some time together.  Our Family Movie Nights, held in our Activity Center during the summer, are also popular.  We also periodically hold seminars on relevant family topics like effective parenting and financial planning.

MOPS

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children.  Our SSUMC MOPS group meets on the last Monday of each month during the school year.  We frequently have speakers and forums on different aspects of being a mom.  For more information on upcoming MOPS programs, contact the church office.

Youth

Our energetic youth group meets for Sunday school each week as well as Sunday night fellowship from 6pm – 7:45pm. In addition to their weekly activities, the youth also participate in various mission trips and projects throughout the year.

Bible Studies

We offer a wide selection of the popular Disciple Bible study series as well as periodic short-term studies. These studies are led by both clergy and lay people.

Adult Sunday school

Six adult Sunday school are currently active in our church ranging from a large, lecture-style class to more intimate discussion based classes.

Music – organ/choir

The Celebration Choir is an ensemble of more than 30 capable volunteer singers who lead our worship music most Sundays. The Christmas concert is an annual highlight. The Sandy Springs Ensemble is an octet (8 singers) who perform in worship several times throughout the year. Our Children’s Choir also performs in worship a few times during the year. In addition to worship music, we host several concert performances throughout the year.

The sanctuary of Sandy Springs UMC contains a wonderful 46 rank pipe organ that is featured most Sundays. The organ was originally built in 1925, was rebuilt in 2003, and now has more than 3000 pipes. The organ is capable of a variety of musical styles and adds much warmth and beauty to our worship experience.

Wednesday night suppers

Wednesday night suppers provide a great fellowship opportunity each week at 6pm from September to April. These meals allow us to get to know one another more closely and are a great opportunity for new members and visitors to make new friends in the church. The meals are prepared by a local cook and a voluntary donation is collected. Following the meal, roughly 6:30pm, we offer a short program or devotional message.

UMW

United Methodist Women has an active chapter in our church. Fellowship, spiritual development, and mutual support are key aspects of this ministry. Our UMW unit is known for its service and mission ministries within the church and the larger community.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scout troop 463 has a long history at Sandy Springs UMC and has been sponsored by the church since the 1960's.  This troop has produced more than 180 Eagle Scouts in its history.  Cub Scout troop 236 also meets at the church.

Hitson Activity Center

Often overlooked by first time visitors, our Hitson Activity Center is across Mount Vernon Highway. The center features a gymnasium with a walking track as well as lots of classroom space. The center also contains a parlor and a chapel, which provides an intimate setting for our early worship service. The majority of our preschool utilizes the Hitson Activity Center during the school year.