Programs for Children

Children’s Christian Formation at St. Stephen’s is built on Godly Play®, an approach that builds on the principles of Maria Montessori.

Leaders are trained in story-telling and techniques that encourage children to enter into the depth of sacred story, parable, silence, and liturgical action. Its goal is to help children to be open to God all the time and in every place. Read more about it on the Godly Play website.

Children three years and older can participate in Godly Play.

Teens (13-19) are invited to participate in Teens Session, a group for older kids and teens which meets after the 10:30 service on Sundays in the church balcony.

Children under three are invited to be in our child care, which meets in the Marshall Room, to the left of the altar. The “Godly Babysitter” is Stephanie Legge, who arrives on Sundays at 10:20 and stays through 12:15, or until all children have been claimed by their parents (usually at communion).

Rebecca Hughes is our Coordinator of Children’s Christian Formation. Drop in any Sunday to meet her.

Children are expected to be on time for Godly Play, which begins at 10:30 (a few minutes early is a good idea!). Children join others in the parish at the Holy Table for receiving communion.

Interested in taking the Godly Play training? Speak with Rebecca. At St. Stephen’s we strive to take seriously the fact that responsibility for children’s formation belongs to the whole community of faith, not just to their parents.