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).
Myers Park United Methodist Church is excited to offer the following activities for the winter session of MPUMC Playhouse, running from January 12, 2026 through March 18, 2026.
Playhouse Coordinators: Beth Palmer and Jocelyn Mueller
Email: mpumcplayhouse@gmail.com
WINTER SESSION
MONDAYS: Soccer Shots, Sensory Exploration OR Stay & Play
TUESDAYS: Art, Creative Expression/Storytelling OR Character Kids- 4/TK Only
WEDNESDAYS: Moving Little Minds-4s/TK Only OR Kitchen Science
THURSDAYS: Basketball, Stay & Play OR Character Kids – 3s Only
MPUMC PLAYHOUSE OFFERINGS (varies by session)
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 Harahoe.
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 Miller.
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.
MOVING LITTLE MINDS- current 4s/TK only
Join us as we merge literacy instruction with play-based activities with Literacy with Moving Little Minds. Each week, children build essential early literacy skills through hands-on exploration, stories and songs. It’s a fun, developmentally appropriate way to strengthen the foundations they need for future reading success. Taught by Melissa McCall, Moving Little Minds.
P3 BASKETBALL LAB
Get ready to learn the fundamentals of basketball with college and former professional 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 Gardner and Lydia Cunning.
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.
Upcoming Dates to Note: The Spring Session of MPUMC Playhouse will run 4/13/26-5/14/26.