Methodist Day School
The Methodist Day School is a ministry of the First United Methodist Church. The education and care of children are our top priority. A Christian environment is provided for children and qualified, caring staff teach them basic skills and values.
Classes include a balance of guided play activities, creative art work, music, outdoor play, conversation, story-time, dramatic play, and other age-appropriate activities.
For more information please contact Vickie Burton Welch at (870) 238-8500.
*We are a day care. *We are a school. *We are a ministry.
"The Methodist Day School is a ministry of the First United Methodist Church." Thus begins our philosophy stated in our MDS handbook. What an awesome responsibility we Methodists have in providing this ministry to our community. We accept this responsibility with open hearts and minds welcoming children of all faiths. It is our mission to provide a safe, quality care environment for our children. As parents entrust their children to our care each morning, they can feel secure in knowing their children will be loved, nutured, and safe at our church.
MDS parents and children also are in ministry to others. This year we participated in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon. Through pledges secured by MDS families, over $1000 was presented to St. Jude. Fun was had by all children as they proudly rode their trikes around our church. Even our babies participated by riding in our big red six seater stroller.
Also, March of Dimes pledges were made and collected this year. Our children walked and released pink, blue, and white balloons symbolizing the birth of U.S. children. Our contributions will help research and provide care for premature birth babies.
In November, our children brought canned goods to be dispersed in Wynne by our Good Shepherd Center. Their parents were very supportive in providing a truck load of goods to be presented by our school.
Another ministry we as a church are providing is a scholarship for a MDS child. We have four Sunday School classes who provide funds, monthly, for the tuition of a child in need. His care is paid for three days a week through this mission by YOU! By attending our school, he is also able to receive outside community developmental and health services he needs. We thank you for this ministry.
As individuals, so many church members are in ministry to our school through hours of volunteer work. We are so thankful for the many hours of bookkeeping Mary Ann Harrell gives each week--voluntarily. Gary Dye is always around for whatever problem we have. Also, Ann Dye and Judy McMurtrey pop in and out regularly to offer whatever assistance is needed. Brooks Fiscus helps with music. Winifred Gammill brings us sacks. Emma Vannaman brings us suckers. Claudine Jones brings us pillows. Nancy Blake is always around for keeping us supplied with whatever we need and directing parents and phone calls to our school. Julia Thomas makes curtains. Dana Wilson paints our halls. Bruce Beck is our handyman and person on call when Ms. Vickie and I are away. Earl Patton helps with handyman work and giving hugs and smiles ( and keeps me grounded). Bob McMurtrey checks on us and always asks says, "Let me know how the Administrative Board can help." Oh-- and there's Gail Crawford who leads our communications. Thanks to you who provided donations for our "Fish" project to help purchase supplies for our classrooms. And our MDS Board who provide support in making decisions best for our children and parents (and also provide food for Teacher Appreciation and Thanksgiving Feasts). AND--I'm sure I have forgotten many others who keep us afloat. (FORGIVE ME!)
How proud we, the First United Methodist Church, are to be in ministry to our MDS children, parents, and our community. Thank you for your help and prayers for our ministry.
*Heartbeat Footnote: And thank YOU, Barbara Patton, for serving this ministry with love.
