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EnglishIs Del Ray United Methodist Church Suitable for Families with Children?
Updated
Yes. Del Ray United Methodist Church (Del Ray UMC) offers a monthly Family Worship service at 9:30am that is explicitly designed for kids and their families, described on the church website as "a fun, age-appropriate worship service for kids and their family." Families who prefer a more traditional format can instead attend the 10:30am service. The main caveat is timing: Family Worship is a monthly offering rather than a weekly one, so families should confirm the specific Sunday before planning around it.
The Two Sunday Services at a Glance
| Service | Time | Format | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Worship | 9:30am | Monthly; fun, age-appropriate worship for kids and their families | Families with children who want a child-friendly experience |
| Traditional Worship | 10:30am | Hymns, a message, and communion | Families and individuals who prefer a traditional service |
Why Family Worship Works for Young Children
The church's own description emphasizes two things parents typically care about: the service is age-appropriate and fun. That signals the content is pitched at children rather than expecting them to sit through an adult-oriented liturgy. The service is also framed as something for the whole family to attend together, so parents are not separated from their kids.
A practical example: a family with elementary-age children could plan around the 9:30am Family Worship Sunday, then stay for fellowship, rather than choosing between entertaining a restless child during a traditional service and skipping church altogether.
Options If You Prefer a Traditional Service
Families are not limited to the family service. The 10:30am Traditional Worship includes hymns, a message, and communion, and the church's messaging frames Sunday mornings as having "something for everyone to plug in, engage and grow." A family with older children, or one that values communion and hymnody, may find this service the better fit.
A Note on the Fall Schedule
The website announces a "Fall Ministry Kick-Off" beginning September 6, stating that "our Sunday mornings will look different." If you are planning a visit around or after that date, check the current service details before you go, since the schedule and programming may have changed.
Before You Visit
- Confirm the Family Worship date. Because it is monthly, verify which Sunday it falls on via the church's newsletter or website rather than assuming a weekly option.
- Check post-September 6 details. The Fall Ministry Kick-Off indicates updated Sunday morning programming.
- Sign up for the newsletter. The site offers a monthly newsletter signup for "the most up to date information and upcoming dates," which is the most direct way to track family service dates and events.
For families seeking a congregation where children are explicitly welcomed into worship, Del Ray UMC's monthly Family Worship is a clear, purpose-built option; the traditional service remains available as an alternative for families who prefer it.