NEW PORTLAND — Annette Stanley, director of the children’s ministry at the Western Mountains Baptist Church, manages a nursery and four children’s classes every Sunday morning. There are Sunday school classes for children up to third grade and another class for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders. Classes meet at 9 a.m. and again halfway through the 10 a.m. worship service.

“I have been involved with kids and church since I was a kid in church,” said Stanley.

Stanley said she appreciates the support she receives from parents, teenagers and other volunteers who help with teaching and co-teaching on a rotating basis.

“Sunday school gives children a strong foundation of Bible basics. We teach and talk about who God is, what God is like, how we should treat each other and how we should act. Kids develop their own community and have their own friends, separate from the adults,” said Stanley.

The children play games, do crafts and hear Bible stories. Several times throughout the year they are taught music for special performances.

Stanley said that as a child, “I loved Sunday school. It was the place where I felt I belonged. Sunday school is a child-centered opportunity that can develop life-long relationships with peers and with adults.”

As a wife and mother of five, Stanley, of Strong, continues relationships with some of her own Sunday school teachers and classmates.

During the sessions, children and parents are offered flexibility and the time they need to explore what works best for them during church. Parents are welcome to stay with their children during classes, or children can stay in the adult service.

Stanley said, “My goal is for church to be a positive place for kids and parents and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make their time at church a pleasant experience.”

One student, Ethan Cockerham, 9, of Freeman Township, said, “Sunday school is where we begin. Christian kids come to Sunday school to do fun activities, color and read the Bible.”

To learn more about the children’s ministry, call the church at 265-2557 or stop by at 929 Carrabassett Road on Sunday morning. The website is www.westernmountainschurch.org.