Nurturing Young Disciples

Family Ministries at Morristown UMC 

At Morristown United Methodist Church, we believe children, youth, and families are not just the future of the church — they are a vital part of who we are right now. Our ministries provide space for kids to grow in faith, families to be supported, and young disciples to be rooted in God’s love and grace. 

 

Meet Our Director of Family Ministries – Nate Roark (they/them) 

We are thrilled to welcome Nate Roark as our Director of Family Ministries! Nate is a seminary student at Drew University pursuing a Master of Divinity, and they bring creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to helping children and families experience God’s love. 

Nate has served in children’s and youth ministry in several settings, including Bridgewater UMC (NJ), St. Luke UMC (TN), and here at MUMC as a ministry intern. Their ministry is rooted in inclusivity and relationship-building, ensuring every child knows they belong in God’s family. 

Sunday Mornings – Children Ages 3–10 

Here’s how Sundays work for kids: 

  • Families begin worship together in the sanctuary. 
  • Children are invited forward for the Children’s Sermon. 
  • Afterward, Nate and our Sunday School team lead them to the Prayer Ground (pray, not play 😉) — our indoor children’s ministry space. 
  • In the Prayer Ground, kids learn Bible stories, share prayers, do creative activities, and grow together in faith during the rest of worship. 

 

Youth Ministry 

Our youth (middle and high school) gather regularly for fellowship, service, and faith formation. Nate is helping launch new opportunities for youth leadership in worship, service projects, and intergenerational gatherings. 

Families Growing Together 

We offer a variety of ways for families to grow in faith, serve together, and build community: 

  • Second Saturday Intergenerational Events – Once a month, families gather for dinner, crafts, and seasonal activities (holiday themes, service projects, and creative fun). It’s a relaxed and joyful way to connect across generations. 
  • Hands-On Mission for All Ages – From packing hygiene kits to collecting food donations to serving our neighbors locally, we make sure children, youth, and adults can participate together in meaningful acts of service. Mission isn’t just something we talk about — it’s something we practice side by side. 
  • Heifer Project: 3-Year Ark Goal – Each Sunday during worship, our children collect coins for the Heifer Project. Over the next three years, we are joining together to raise enough to purchase an entire Heifer Ark — a gift that provides dozens of animals and resources to communities worldwide. This project invites every child, youth, and adult to take part in changing lives through generosity. 
  • Seasonal Celebrations – Our annual Christmas program and other family-friendly gatherings provide opportunities for kids and parents alike to celebrate the joy of faith in community. 

Our goal is to support parents, nurture children, and create opportunities for the whole family to experience God’s love and grace together. 

 

Get Connected 

We would love to connect with you and your family! 
 📧 Contact: Nate Roark (they/them), Director of Family Ministries — NRoark@MorristownUMC.org
 📍 Join us Sundays at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary, and bring your kids to the Prayground for a place where faith can take root.