Kids, Youth & Families
Opportunities for kids and teens to learn, explore, and grow in their faith
Kids belong here
We love kids! They are full members of our intergenerational community and we delight in the questions, wonder, wiggles and laughter that children bring.
On Sundays, kids can join one of our programs below, remain in the service with their families, or change their minds mid-service about what they want to do.
The children often take the collection and lead the procession to the altar for Communion, carrying forward the Cross and the bread, wine, and other offerings. Kids can sit or stand around the holy table or play quietly with soft toys provided just to the side. Either way, they are fully welcome in this central part of the worship service, and invited (at their parents' discretion) to share in the bread and wine at Communion.
Nursury
Ages 0 - 3
You are welcome to leave your infant or toddler with our nursery caregiver, to stay with them in the nursery room, or to keep them with you during the service.
The nursery room has a crib, baby and toddler toys, and a private bathroom. It faces on the main altar, on the left side of the sanctuary, so parents there can also listen to the service.
A rocking chair is also available at the back of the church for use during the worship service.
Baptism is available for children of all ages.
Godly play
3 Years – 3rd Grade
Godly Play, a curriculum that builds on the principles of Maria Montessori, focuses on stories, wonder, and play, and honors the centrality and capacity of children. Learn more about Godly Play.
Children start the worship service with their families, and follow the teacher up the left aisle after the opening hymn and prayers. They rejoin the service after about 45 minutes, in time for Communion.
Parents are welcome to accompany their children to, or stay in, the Godly Play class.
Sunday school
4th – 8th Grades
Sunday School introduces middle-schoolers to Christian traditions, including the Bible, ethics, doctrine, worship, and art, from an historical perspective. The curriculum is eclectic but follows the seasons of the church year.
As with Godly Play, the kids follow the teacher out after the opening hymn and prayers, and return to the service after about 45 minutes in order to share with the rest of the congregation in prayers and Communion.
Parents are welcome to observe or join in the Sunday School class.
Tweens & teens
Our middle- and high-schoolers often choose to serve as readers during the service, greeters at the front doors of the church, artists whose work is featured in the service bulletin, or in other roles that interest them.
Confirmation is available to youth 13+ (and adults!). Classes at St. Stephen's and confirmation by the Bishop take place once a year.
