Children and Youth are IN here at St. Thomas’ Church!

We are blessed to have many fun and faith-filled opportunities for children, tweens and teens here at St. Thomas’. Worship, friendship, service, and learning, all rolled into one exciting and enthusiastic Children and Youth Program. If you have any questions regarding any of the Children and Youth Ministry offerings contact St. Thomas’ Associate Rector for Children, Youth, and Families:

The Rev’d Heather Patton-Graham

Worship

First Steps to Worship - The First Steps to Worship experience is specially designed for families with children ages 5 and under. Meeting in the Parish Hall Living Room, this unique 30-minute worship offering incorporates age-appropriate music, prayers, Scripture retelling, and teaching, with the celebration of the Eucharist. The children take a role in many aspects of the liturgy, and families actively engage with each other and with the community gathered in a genuine and loving environment of holy celebration and St. Thomas’ fellowship. First Steps meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m.

Family Table - Second Steps to Worship is ready for the next step ~ and a NEW NAME: Family Table!

Started over 3 years ago as a pilot worship experience for families with younger children, as a stepping stone from First Steps to Worship to the Sanctuary, Second Steps to Worship has been meeting on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month during the program year, at 9:30 a.m. Starting January 16, 2011, this gathering will be weekly*! The original pilot has been successful, so let’s do it! We are considering this our 2011 Winter/Spring Pilot, phase 2.

With worship at the heart of who we are, what we do, and how we allow God to transform our selves in order that we then go and transform the world, we are jumping in with both feet, and moving ahead with this pilot, phase two with open ears and hearts and hands! Our conversation continues…

The liturgy itself starts at 9:45 a.m. See you in church!

Acolyte Guild

Once a child reaches 6th grade, he or she has the opportunity to become an active participant in the sanctuary liturgies on Sunday mornings by becoming an acolyte. Acolytes are vital to the movement and flow of the worship service. They lead the processions, light the Gospel, and are ready to serve however they are needed. This is a wonderful way for tweens and teens to learn more about the worship life of the church, and to see the behind-the-scenes St. Thomas’ action on a Sunday morning. Interested? Contact Heather!

**Attention Parents of Wee Ones: Nursery care is provided every Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. for the youngest of our parish community. Our Nursery is located downstairs from MacColl Auditorium and is staffed by loving and certified caregivers. ***

Sunday Morning Church School and Youth Groups

Church School - The St. Thomas’ Church School program is an exciting and energetic opportunity for children [PreK-6th grade] to connect with each other, learn with dynamic leaders / teachers, engage in outreach, and explore the Gospel, as well as church traditions and celebrations, all on a Sunday morning! In Church School this year, we will encounter “Living Spiritually in the Real World” by examining how we Walk with Jesus each and every day. Church School gathers in the School House Auditorium at 10:45 a.m. From there, the children head to their special classrooms with their teachers for their time together. Church School concludes by 11:40 a.m. If you would like to register your child for Church School or volunteer to help in the Church School, just connect with Heather.

Junior High Sunday Mornings - Upper Room (6th and 7th Grade) - In a special class geared just for them, the 6th and 7th graders, in the St. Thomas community begin their Confirmation journey and gather for Upper Room.  By exploring different aspects of faith and living faith-fully, as guided by the weekly Scripture, conversation, and the happenings of the world, the Junior Highers grow deeper in faith and community, and take on fun and challenging projects.  Each Sunday morning for them begins at 10:45 a.m., in the Upper Room classroom, center stage in the School House.

8th Grade:  Confirmation Year! - Using the Confirm not Conform curriculum, the 8th grade Sunday morning time is the focused year of Confirmation preparation.  Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the church.  It is regarded as the adult affirmation and declaration of faith, the completion of the promises made at baptism.  The Confirm not Conform program lifts up the individuality and uniqueness of each student, as well as guiding their journey with respect for their perspectives and experiences.  The Confirmands will work with dedicated teachers, mentors, and Heather+ as they gain a new understanding of their ‘adult’ role within the parish community.  The Bishop comes in the Spring to make Confirmation a reality, blessing each Confirmand, praying over, and for, each student individually in front of the whole St. Thomas community.  Truly a day of celebration!   Any questions, don’t hesitate to be in touch!
10:45 a.m. every Sunday, School House

Senior High Sunday Morning Breakfast Club - Our Sunday morning Senior High class at St. Thomas’ is called Breakfast Club.  Gathering in the School House Youth Room at 10:45 a.m., Breakfast Club conversation and companionship is all about how to live life as “a believer”!  Our Breakfast Club curriculum is guided by the weekly Scripture readings...and, of course, there is “breakfast”.  Breakfast Club is led by a rotation of parish leaders / teachers.
10:45 a.m. every Sunday, School House