Children

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​St. Christopher's seeks to nurture children's curiosity, share the values and story of our faith, and be a place of belonging, service, and support for them and their families.  

Click here for Children and Youth Ministries Brochure 2022-2023

Infants and toddlers
Our nursery is open for children three and under during the service.  Ask an usher or greeter where it is located and they will direct you.  If you prefer to have your child with you in the sanctuary, you are welcome to do that. There is a play space set up in the library adjacent to the sanctuary for young children if they need a break from the church.  Parents may stay in the library while still listening to the service.   

Pre-K to 2nd Grade
During the 10:00 am service, the children process together from the sanctuary to the upstairs chapel space where the they are led in their own service until they are returned to the main sanctuary during the Peace. A rotation of volunteers lead the chapel program that mimics the order of what is happening in the sanctuary with prayers, songs, and storytelling.  Children spend three to four Sundays exploring the same Bible story to deepen learning and understanding.   

3rd - 4th Grade

• Children in this age group tend to "outgrow" Children's Chapel/Sunday School but are not quite ready to absorb the full worship experience on it own. The 3rd - 5th graders attend church with their families. Children's bulletins, pew activities, and books, all resources to assist their engagement, are available just outside the sanctuary doors. Empty worship bags are nearby for children to fill with themed worship activities, which include coloring, puzzles, and other related activities for the month. 
• This age group may begin serving as leaders of worship as acolytes, ushers, and readers. 
•  3rd - 4th Grade Monthly Group: Once a month, typically the second Sunday of the month at 11:00 am, this group gathers to build community, engage Scripture, and reflect on faith and self.  There will be additional opportunities for this group during the year to come together - e.g. Communion Workshop, Lenten series. ​
• Communion Workshop and Recognition: September 17 (for 2nd - 5th graders and their parents and godparents) with Communion Recognition on September 18 (similar to First Communion rite of passage)

Childcare during Adult Programming
Childcare is often offered when adult programming occurs on Saturday mornings or after church on Sundays.  Announcements about the programming will advertise nursery care when offered.  Children of all ages are welcome in the nursery space at this time.  Building toys and selected themed and age appropriate activities will be provided.

Volunteering! Children love to help and are welcome to work in our vegetable garden to help grow food for area food banks.  Learn about the vegetable garden.  Once a month we have a packing service project in the Parish Hall after worship that children have a great time participating in.  These are a great way to help children learn about compassion and caring.


2022 - 2023 Formation and Fellowship Gatherings for Families
We supplement the above offerings with additional opportunities for all ages to learn and celebrate life together. Offerings include:

• Communion Workshop, September 17 (for 2nd - 5th graders and their parents and godparents) with Communion Recognition on September 18 (similar to First Communion rite of passage)
• Homecoming Pitch-in (potluck), September 18 - primarily fellowship fun with some children's activities
• Pet Blessing, October 2 - Bring your pet to the 10:00 am Sunday service! Pictures of pets and stuffed animals also welcome 
• All Souls Gathering - November 2 - On this Wednesday evening, we will gather for a potluck and reflection time for families on grief and loss.  Afterwards, there will be a service to remember all the souls who have gone before us in the sanctuary.  
• Advent Event, December 4 - This annual gathering for all ages has crafts, games, dinner, and ends with a sung compline service.
• Pray and Play, January 14 -  This is a great opportunity for our younger kiddos to develop a fun, playful relationship with God and each other while learning age-appropriate ways to pray through their bodies, creativity, and imagination. Parents, grandparents and caregivers will also get in touch with their childlike senses and connect to the Holy.
  
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Ash Wednesday Service for Families, February 22 - The annual pre-Lenten pancake meal will be followed by an Ash Wednesday service for children (even though its Tuesday!).
• Maundy Thursday Meal and Service, April 6  - The potluck and service are intertwined for this Holy Week service with many interactive elements.

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