Good Samaritan’s children’s programs cultivate a joyful community of families engaged in high quality programs, faith, fellowship, spiritual fulfillment and mission.
The children’s ministry serves children from birth through 6th grade and their families.
Our facilities include a nursery, gym, and Methodist Sunday School lessons in our classrooms, and our church library has children’s material and chairs for reading. There are donuts and lemonade served after each service on Sundays in the Fellowship Hall.
During the school year, we offer Sunday School and Sunday afternoon Youth Group (beginning with 6th grade). During Advent season, there are family-friendly services. In the Summer, we offer traditional and adaptive Vacation Bible Camp.
Good Samaritan Family Newsletter, July 17, 2026
Building Faithful Families
Road Trip Activity Pack. Four different seek and finds (same picture, 25 different things to find), an activity sheet with word play and license plate game sheet. You can pick up this resource from the Welcome Desk in the Narthex or Jan can email them to you – Let her know at jan@good.org if you would like a copy.
Sensory-Friendly
Vacation Bible Camp!
Aug 3-6, 10:00 a.m. - noon
We are thrilled to invite you to a special, sensory-friendly Vacation Bible Camp! Hosted by Eden Prairie UMC in partnership with Good Samaritan UMC, our Snowball Mountain Challenge is designed specifically for children in our autism ministry.
We understand that every child has different needs. Our team is dedicated to providing a predictable schedule, "quiet zones" for overstimulation, and a high volunteer-to-camper ratio to ensure everyone has a safe and joyful experience.
What to Expect:
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- A Supportive Environment: Guided by our energetic Activities Director and our friendly mascot, Ollie the Arctic Seal, we provide a structured space where every child can thrive.
- Daily Discoveries: Through the strength God provides, campers will learn they can share their unique gifts, find bravery, and hold onto hope.
- Sensory-Aware Fun: Eden Prairie UMC will be transformed into a mountaintop experience that prioritizes comfort, laughter, and lasting faith.
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Register at: https://prairiechurch.org/adaptive-bible-camp-2026/
Children’s Sunday School
Sundays, 10:15am
Sunday School is available for children Pre-K through Grade 6.
- Sunday School follows Children’s Time in Worship
- Pre-K-Grade 6, Room 200 with with Jan Russe;;
- This Sunday, 7/19/2026 – Bloom in the Desert – “Blanket Flower”
- Sunday School Helpers needed during the summer. Sign up HERE.
- Summer Sunday School – Our Summer Sunday School curriculum is called Bloom in the Desert. Inspired by the beautiful, resilient flowers of the North American desert, these resources explore how God calls each one of us to bloom – and also to welcome the stranger, reach out to one another in generosity, and so together create a garden where everyone can thrive. Please e-mail jan@good.org if you can help.
Church Nursery
Sundays, 9:45 – 11:00a.m.
The large, light-filled, and welcoming nursery is staffed by professional childcare workers. Your child can enjoy the nursery while you enrich your soul and mind in worship. The Nursery is on the upper level, steps from our sanctuary.
Children, Youth and Family Advisory Board
The Children, Youth and Families Advisory Council provide input into events, programming and the physical space that welcomes our new and existing families. The Council meets quarterly. If you’d like to participate, contact Jan to learn more!