Children and Youth
Sunday School
Sunday School classes are offered during the first part of our 10 a.m. service. We have dedicated volunteers who teach our children using the Godly Play curriculum (pre-schoolers through Grade 2) and Children's Chapel (Grades 3-6). Children and their instructors are dismissed to their classes following the opening Collect and rejoin their families and the congregation in the pews in time for sharing the Peace and the Eucharist. The Fourth Sunday of the month is "Come 4th Sunday" where we offer a special Children’s service in which children and their families participate in the entire service which has been especially created and prepared for them.
If you would like to get involved with children and youth programming, adults and older teens are invited to assist with Godly Play and Children’s Chapel on a rotating basis. Several opportunities await our parish children and youth and families on Come 4th Sundays (and other Sundays as well). A team supporting teen programming is forming as well.
Godly Play (Preschool Through Second Grade)
Godly Play is an experiential method of Christian formation and spiritual direction for children based upon the recognition that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. What they need is the appropriate language to help them identify and express it so it can be explored and strengthened. Godly Play teaches the art of using Christian language—parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action—in a way that involves the creative process and all the child’s senses as a means to know God and to make meaning in their lives. A Godly Play worship experience invites the children into the liturgical rhythm of greeting, storytelling, response, prayer, feast and sending out. In the Godly Play room, we are surrounded with materials that help us discover the whole story of God.
Godly Play is held in the Godly Play room in the lower level of the Parish Hall.
Children's Chapel (Third through Sixth Grade)
Children's Chapel offers elementary-aged children faith formation based on the Sunday readings. A team of volunteer teacher and parent assistants have been using and adapting a curriculum from Illustrated Ministries called Mini-Revolutions. The curriculum uses coloring pages, summaries of one of the Sunday readings, and discussion questions and activities to engage young people in reflection. Children spend about 30 minutes in these conversation and activities. This gives the children their own kid-friendly “liturgy of the Word.”
Children's Chapel is held in the library.
"Come 4th Sunday"
Our children, youth and families are invited to “come forth” to take on new roles in worship in our Come 4th Sunday liturgy, on the fourth Sunday of each month. On Come 4th Sunday, everyone stays in church rather than be dismissed for children’s programs. Songs are simple and upbeat so that all can sing without reading music. Special scripture translations and prayers allow children to serve as lectors and lead the prayers of the people. Entire families can help usher, take the collection and bring up the gifts. Come 4th Sunday is a liturgy for everyone, inviting our children, youth and families to “come forth” to share their gifts.
Come 4th Sunday is also a time when we welcome and introduce new members with a special litany of welcome.
Deanery-Wide Youth Ministry for Teens
St. Peter’s is collaborating with other Episcopal parishes in our region to develop and offer programs for youth and teens. Look for these opportunities under Upcoming Events.
A Soft Space for Little Ones
If they prefer, families with infants or toddlers are invited to sit in our soft space on the carpet on the right side of the church, where there are soft toys and coloring pages. Wiggles welcome.
