MPUMC Playhouse

Where PLAY and FAITH grow together!

 

 

 

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MPUMC Playhouse is a children’s enrichment program offered by Myers Park United Methodist Church. Designed for children enrolled in the 3s, 4s, and TK programs, Playhouse provides opportunities to grow in faith and experience God’s love through movement, learning, and play.

Each session offers a selection of activities, which may include Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Soccer, Kitchen Science, and Stay & Play. MPUMC Playhouse meets Monday–Thursday from 12:45 p.m. (immediately following dismissal from The Children’s Circle) until 1:45 p.m. Pick-up takes place in the lobby at 1:45 p.m. (no carpool available).

The spring session of MPUMC Playhouse will run from April 13 through May 14, 2026.

SPRING SESSION OFFERINGS (descriptions below)

MONDAY

  • P3 Basketball
  • Sensory Exploration

TUESDAY

  • Pickleball 4s/TK Only
  • Creative Expression
  • Character Kids Club-3s Only

WEDNESDAY

  • My Gym
  • Kitchen Science
  • Art

THURSDAY

  • Soccer Shots
  • Stay & Play
  • Character Kids- 4s/TK Only

Playhouse Coordinators: Beth Palmer and Jocelyn Mueller
 Email: mpumcplayhouse@gmail.com

MPUMC PLAYHOUSE OFFERINGS – SPRING 2026

ART LAB
Dive into creativity as children experiment with a wide range of colors, materials, and techniques to create their own “masterpieces.” This hands-on, exploratory class encourages imagination and confidence in young artists. Taught by Lydia Cunning and Sarah Horohoe.

CHARACTER KIDS CLUB
 (New material and curriculum each session)
 Two classes offered this session: 4s/TK and 3s

Through children’s literature, storytelling, art activities, and play, children learn what it means to be a good friend, how to handle big feelings, and how to navigate conflict with confidence. Led by Elizabeth Barton, who holds a master’s degree in human development counseling from Vanderbilt, and Kathy Shields, a former elementary teacher, this meaningful class is not to be missed!

CREATIVE EXPRESSION & STORYTELLING
Focuses on socialization, empathy, and resilience, children learn to story-tell through movement, acting out narratives that spark imagination and support self expression. This creative class promotes coordination and balance, building physical and social-emotional confidence. Taught by Kathryn Haenni and Larissa Winner.

KITCHEN SCIENCE
Calling all little scientists and future chefs! Children explore, create, and discover through hands-on experiments with fun, food-based ingredients. It’s messy, exciting, and always a crowd favorite. Taught by Julie Mata and Megan Reiney.

MY GYM
Ignite Your Child’s Spark at My Gym!  Does your preschooler have energy to burn after school? Turn that “extra wiggle” into confidence and new skills! My Gym’s high-energy program is the ultimate playground for growth, blending dynamic games with foundational gymnastics and sport skills. Through the power of PLAY,  every class is packed with FUN to keep them moving, motivated and smiling.

PICKLEBALL 4s/TK only

Get your kids ready to join the fast-growing sport of pickleball! Sumner Tennis & Pickleball offers a fun and active learning experience for players of all skill levels. Our program focuses on building fundamentals, improving coordination, and helping kids enjoy the game in a supportive environment. Coach Hank is looking forward to seeing you on the pickleball court!

P3 BASKETBALL LAB
Get ready to learn the fundamentals of basketball with former college players from the P3 Basketball Lab organization. Coaches who know and love the game help children build confidence, coordination, and teamwork skills—while having a great time.

SENSORY EXPLORATION
Young learners discover the world through hands-on, sensory-rich activities that engage sight, sound, touch, smell, and movement. Children explore materials such as water, sand, playdough, textured objects, and safe science elements to spark curiosity and early problem-solving. Guided activities and open-ended play support fine-motor growth, cooperation, and joyful learning. Taught by Layne Garner and Kathryn Haenni.

SOCCER SHOTS
Led by a certified Soccer Shots coach, this high-energy class introduces age-appropriate soccer skills while building character and boosting confidence—all through FUN and encouragement.

STAY AND PLAY
Ready to move and groove? Children enjoy MPUMC’s play spaces and gym while developing gross motor skills, building friendships, and having a great time through active play