Meet our Director of Children and Youth Ministries:
Autumn Gentry

In 2024, Autumn Gentry expanded her role with our church to become the Youth and Children’s Ministries Director.  Logistically, our regular parent volunteers will continue to be involved with UMYF and with helping Autumn as needed.  Pastor Ed also continues to be involved on a weekly basis at UMYF, teaching Bible studies and helping Autumn and the volunteers so that we are meeting the spiritual needs of our youth and keeping them connected to the life of the church.  Autumn typically works Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, and of course Sundays.  Her office is on the first floor of the church, through the Lewis Room.

You can contact Autumn at 336-501-1953 (cell) or autumngentry23@gmail.com.

Children

Nursery

Childcare for babies and toddlers
in Room 201, down the hall from the Main Sanctuary, 2nd Floor
Sundays year-round
8:40 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Staffed by two paid people – Sherry Clayton and Kayla Brown – and occasionally by church volunteers – the nursery is available during Sunday School as well as during both Sunday morning worship services year-round.  Parents are asked to set their cell phones on vibrate and leave their number with the attendants so they can contact them if needed.

Sunday School for grades K-2

Using the “Godly Play” curriculum with hands-on wooden figures
in the “Godly Play” Room on the third floor with Kelly Mundy and Jona Fitzgerald
Each Sunday, unless otherwise announced – Sept. through May
10:00 – 10:40 a.m.

Sunday School for grades 3-5

Focusing on learning to read the Bible
in the Lee Long Youth Room with Autumn Gentry
Each Sunday, unless otherwise announced – Sept. through May
10:00 – 10:40 a.m.

Children’s Church in the Chapel

Children begin the 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service seated with their parents in the Main Sanctuary and, after the Children’s Message, are dismissed to an age-appropriate Children’s Church held in the Chapel.  The adult volunteers bring the children back to the Main Sanctuary to receive Communion when it is served.

Vacation Bible School

Each summer Long Memorial hosts a Vacation Bible School for children ages 3½ and up.  Classes and activities are geared for elementary age children, and the older youth act as helpers.  Our VBS is free and open to the community.
The fun kicks off on Sunday evening with a casual supper, introduction to the week’s theme, and a sing-along introducing the week’s music.  Then on Monday through Wednesday mornings, children enjoy a variety of activities including crafts, Bible stories, music and movement, and snacks as they explore and experience God’s love.  On the following Sunday all participants and their families are invited to Long Memorial’s 11 a.m. worship service to share some of the songs and Bible verses they’ve learned with the congregation.

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer in any of these areas of the Children’s Ministry, please contact Autumn Gentry at 336-501-1953 (cell) or autumngentry23@gmail.com .

Long Memorial Preschool 

Click on the link above for information about the Long Memorial Preschool.

Youth

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF)

UMYF – grades 6-12 – usually meets on Sunday evenings at 5:00-7:00 p.m. for Bible study, games, supper, and fun and at other times for outings, fund raiser events, trips, and service projects.  Normally, Middle School kids meet at 5:00-6:30 p.m. and High School kids meet at 5:30-7 p.m. with time in the middle for a pizza supper together.  If a family has members in both groups, they are welcome to stay for the whole time.  Please contact the Church Office at 336-599-1193 if you have any questions.

Pilgrimage – November 2025