Children & Youth

St. John's is a parish that joyfully welcomes children in all aspects of our common life.  You will find children present in our daily activities, everywhere on Sunday mornings, and at our special events and activities.  

Sunday School

As part of our commitment to understanding and exploring our Christian faith and life, Sunday school classes are available at 9 am on Sundays, between the 8 am and 10:15 services.  Youth Sunday School classes are found on the sanctuary level of St. John's, in the classrooms above Trimble Hall.  

If you are a pre-school through kindergarten child, or ages 3-6, we have a Sunday school class just for you, led alternately by Ms Clinch, Mrs Malloy, and Mrs Happel.  Pre-schoolers study age appropriate Bible stories, explore the meanings behind the stories through crafts and art projects, and often have a light snack together before church services start.

If you are an elementary school child, grades 1-6, there's also a Sunday school class for you, led by Mrs. Mummert and Mrs. Martin.  The elementary class goes more in depth into the Bible stories and how the meanings and messages apply to their own lives.

If you are in middle school through high school, grades 6-12, your class is taught by Sarah and Brian Miller.  The middle and high school students cover special topics in the world and their lives, using the Bible and church teachings to examine their actions and beliefs.  

 

Children's Chapel:

All children are welcome to attend Sunday services.  However, the church service can get long for younger kids, and we offer two levels of children's chapel to give children an age appropriate connection to the gospel stories and lesson during the first half of the 10:15 service.  Both levels of Children's Chapel re-enter the church during the offering, and children are encouraged to participate with their families through the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion.  

Pre-school Chapel is held in a classroom on the Sunday school classes hallway.  Pre-school chapel uses a  Montessori based form of Christian formation called Godly Play which encourages young children to listen to the Bible stories and respond in creative ways to build understanding.  

Children's Chapel, for elementary aged children, is held in St. Mary's chapel.  Children hear an age appropriate version of the Gospel reading, have a short sermon time, are encouraged to discuss the lessons for the day and to pray together, and often finish with a craft or activity based off of the lessons for the day.  

Nursery: 

A staffed nusery is available during the 10:15 service for infants and toddlers.  Currently Nursery care is provided on a volunteer basis by members of the congregation and parents of young children.  

Youth Group:

All youth in 6th grade and above are invited to attend Youth Group events held monthly.  Activities have ranged from Lock-ins, Family Games Nights, Listening parties, and general discussions.   Every few months we take time during an event to plan out the next few month's worth of activities. 

If you are interested in learning more about any of these programs, please contact  Margaret Clinch at youthmin.stjohns@myactv.net.