We welcome Children & Families to Our Ministry
Children and families of all ages and kinds are welcome at all our worship, learning, service, and gathering activities. St Stephen’s provides formation and developmentally appropriate Christian education for children of all ages. Every Sunday of the year we offer Nursery care during our 10am service for our youngest members. Sundays from September to June at our 10am service we also offer Sunday School for children in grades K through 5. (Children in grades 6 through 12 are part of our Youth Group, which has its own page here.)
Our goal is to nurture faith through playful experiences of prayer and worship, scripture learning, fellowship, and outreach, “teaching them to love whatever is just and true and good.” (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday School for ages Pre-K through 5
Sunday School Coordinator Tracie Nelson and other staff and volunteers to produce a program that meets the needs of our community, and preserves and passes on the teachings and traditions of the Church. Please contact Tracie to learn more about our program and how you can stay connected for updates.
Nursery/Toddler Room
Our Toddler Ministry focuses on welcoming young ones (and their parents) into a warm and loving community of faith. We provide a safe and familiar environment for toddlers as they begin to explore their world and their relationships. Through early loving experiences young children begin to know a loving God. Nursery care for infants and toddlers is provided every Sunday year-round.
Children are Welcome in Worship
Our elementary children join us each week for the celebration of the Eucharist, and infants often stay with their parents for the whole service. Please know that the worship experience of your children is important to us. Children learn to worship by participating and we value their presence in church. We understand that they may not be quiet or sit still. The presence of the whole family of God together enriches all of our worship. We are very glad to have children with us. Please know that we do not mind having babies in church, even crying ones.
Spirituality of Parenting
Raising children is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — occupations of human life. It also happens to be the perfect arena in which to reflect on and learn from Christian tradition: What does it mean to be made in the image of God, to be given to one another in loving commitment, and to practice patience, forgiveness, and joyful companionship in mutual self-discovery? Join us as we offer periodical programs for parents of all ages.
Christmas Pageant
St Stephen’s tells the story of the birth of Jesus by inviting children and adults to participate in a live-action telling of the story: songs, costumes, narration, speaking and non-speaking parts all combine to remind us of the astonishing thing that God did: came to be one of us. Contact us to find out about participation.