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 9am.
Second Steps to Worship - St. Thomas’s Second Steps to Worship raises the roof in MacColl Auditorium on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month during the program year of the church. Designed and geared for families with elementary-aged children [5-12 years old], this liturgy mirrors the worship in the sanctuary, however the music and teaching are specifically planned to be accessible and applicable to the congregation gathered, and includes the celebration of the Eucharist. Children serve as the ushers, acolytes, lay readers, and prayer intercessors. Our time together begins at 930am, gathering for song and the celebration of birthdays, as well as Parish announcements. The liturgy itself starts at 945am. Come and celebrate!
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 930am-1145am for the youngest of our parish community. Our Nursery is located downstairs from MacColl Auditorium and is staffed by loving and certified caregivers. ***
Friendship, Service, and Learning: Church School
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 1045am. From there, the children head to their special classrooms with their teachers for their time together. Church School concludes by 1140am. If you would like to register your child for Church School or volunteer to help in the Church School, just connect with Heather.
Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road, P.O. Box 247, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Phone (215)233-3970 Fax (215)233-2893 Email info@stthomaswhitemarsh.org
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