In 1983 PALS began as the dream of Mrs. Hilda Candler and five young mothers at Trinity.  A retired teacher, “Miss Hilda” felt called to meet the need for a “Mothers’ Morning Out” Program for those mothers and preschoolers here at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Existing programs at other churches were expensive and had long waiting lists.  Hilda wanted Trinity to offer a program for church members and those in the community.

At first, everyone involved was an unpaid volunteer. “We just took turns staying and working, giving each other a few hours of desperately needed time off, and even more coveted, a time of adult companionship,” said Miss Hilda when she was asked about PALS (Play And Learn Service).

In The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, John Wesley developed questions as the Methodist movement in Britain was growing.  One of those questions was “Will you diligently instruct the children in every place?” Thanks to Miss Hilda, her successor Debi Lewis, or new cirector Debra Malone, and the continued diligence of Trinity United Methodist Church, PALS continues to be a vital arm of Trinity UMC’s ministry to the community. To learn more about PALS, click the button below.

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As with all children, youth, and vulnerable adult programs, all volunteers and staff for Trinity United Methodist Church have been approved through a background check and trained under The United Methodist Church’s Safe Sanctuary Guidelines.