Connecting Children in Worship and Prayer
More About
Connecting Children
Cohort I Kickoff
“Twelve churches gather for Connecting
Children launch” in the Advocate
Grant Announcement
“Become more fruitful
in ministry with children”
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Partners
Connecting Children
Leadership Team
Evan Barker
Briana Brooks
Kim Bryant
Meg Sweeney Cook
Dawn Fairley
Christopher Greene
Michael Jarrell
Johannah Myers
Martin Quick
Millie Nelson Smith
Toni Strawther
Toni Taylor
Cari Treece
Suzanne Walker
Nona Woodle

Now accepting applications
The Connecting Children in Worship and Prayer initiative, funded by the Lilly Endowment, will use a “cohort model” to impact 60 churches over five years, 500 children, and reach more than 7,000 church members.
Applications for Cohort 2026 will open Tuesday June 9 (during Annual Conference) and close July 30. Twelve churches will be selected based on their application, interview and level of commitment to implementing the grant initiatives. The twelve churches selected will be notified by September 26, 2025. The first in-person Cohort 2026 training will be held in Columbia Jan 17, 2026 – 9:00-3:00.
Steps to Apply for Cohort 2026
The application process-
Pastor, with staff and laity discuss with their Church Council before applying.
- Select a diverse team of church members (multiple generations) to
support the goals you will develop:
– create a culture of belonging,
– intergenerational worship, and
– increasing the number and the way children participate meaningfully in worship and prayer. - Attend an Online Q& A Session to learn more about the grant.
Choose ONE of these 3 dates:
July 7, 6pm
July 20, 4pm
July 21, 12 noon
July 21, 6pm
July 27, 4pm
July 28, 8am - Review the dates for training (Columbia may be the location).
- Select 4 team members (the pastor will make it 5) that will commit to
attending the in-person and online trainings. Select your team leader.
This person will be the contact person for their team, share
information, materials and communicate with grant leaders. - Complete and submit your application.
- An interview will be scheduled online for your team (the 4 + Pastor) It
is important that your team and pastor participate in this interview.
REQUIRED TRAINING DATES:
Quarter 1
Jan 17, 2026 – In-person 9:00-3:00
Feb 12 Online: 6:00-7:30
Mar 12 Online: 6:00-7:30
Quarter 2
Apr 25 In-person 9:00-3:00
May 28 Online: 6:00-7:30
Jun 11 Online: 6:00-7:30
Quarter 3
Aug 1 In-person 9:00-3:00
Aug 27 Online: 6:00-7:30
Sep 17 Online: 6:00-7:30
Quarter 4
Oct 17 In-person 9:00-3:00
Nov 12 Online: 6:00-7:30
Dec 3 Online: 6:00-7:30
NOTE: This is not an application for grant money.
For more information about the application process, please email Toni Taylor at ttaylor@umcsc.org or Nona Woodle at nmwoodle@umcsc.org.