Children’s Ministry

At Grace, we take children and their relationship with God seriously and seek to provide opportunities for them to grow in their relationship with God and with the Christian community of which they are an integral part. Through our Godly Play church school program, Sunday Chapel services, our monthly Children’s Liturgy, and year round worship, service and fellowship opportunities for children, youth, and families, we seek to nurture children’s spiritual development, honor their innate spiritual gifts, and support parents as they nurture the spiritual growth of their children.

Church School

Church School classes for children in Pre-kindergarten through Grade 5 are held during the academic year following the 10:00 service. Classes run until 11:55 a.m. Church School registration is held the Sunday after Labor Day, with classes beginning the following week. Grace offers Godly Play classes for children in preschool through 5th grade. Godly Play is a Montessori based method of spiritual formation, developed by Episcopal priest Jerome Berryman. Everything that happens in a Godly Play classroom, from the classroom set up, to the stories and materials used to share them, to the activities that take place after the main “lesson”, seeks to honor and grow the child’s relationship with God. You can learn more about Godly Play here.

Children’s Chapel

We offer Children’s Chapel during our 10:00am Sunday service, during the Gospel, sermon and Prayers of the People. Children follow the Crucifer at the Gospel procession, and head into All Saints chapel for a time of age-appropriate homily, activity and prayers, based on the Sunday lectionary. Children re-join their families at the Peace and participate in Holy Eucharist with their church family. Children’s Chapel is held year-round and parents are always welcome to join us.

Children's Liturgy

On the third Sunday of each month, Grace offers a Children's Liturgy at the 10:00 service. This service uses language more appropriate for and understandable to our young people. The sermon is specifically for children, and children and youth are directly involved in the service. Lessons and the Prayers of the People are read by young people, youth serve as Eucharistic Ministers, and children gather round the altar during the Great Thanksgiving. Children's Liturgy is held throughout the entire year.

Special Services / Fellowship

Throughout the year, other worship and fellowship activities specifically designed for children and families are offered. These have included the Blessing of the Backpacks, the Homecoming Sunday picnic, the making of pet goodie bags for St. Francis Day, the annual Advent Pageant, a special Children’s Chapel on Christmas Eve, a children's 1st Lent observance, children's Good Friday service, an Easter Egg hunt, Family Nights, and craft workshops.

Questions?

If you have questions or would like more information regarding our ministry to and with children, please contact Director of Children’s Ministry Cathy Portlock Pacitto.