Formation: Young Children

At  St. Mary’s, we aim to provide programs enabling children to learn about Christ and His teachings, while forming a strong foundation in the Christian faith. Sunday mornings offer a variety of opportunities that will appeal to members and visitors of all ages.  

The Sunday Paper and The Sunday Paper Junior 

We take scripture seriously, and we like to have fun learning the scriptures. Each week you will find copies of The Sunday Paper and The Sunday Paper Junior available for our youngest members. These resources take our lectionary readings and put them into cartoon format. They always honor the scripture and never trivialize the message. The Paper Junior offers a note to parents on the scripture lessons. Look for them as you enter our worship spaces. 

 Our 9 AM The Lord’s Living Room Holy Eucharist Service is relaxed and allows families the opportunity to worship in a casual environment. Music is led by our worship band, with the entire service and music projected. There is a large rug rolled out in front of the altar and chairs set up around it. Children are welcome to play in front of the altar during the Liturgy of the Word, and a Children’s Message is offered directly to them. After the sermon, children sit with their parents for the Great Thanksgiving. 

Children’s Chapel is held on Sunday during the 11 am Holy Eucharist service. Children leave from the service right before the lectionary readings and return around the Peace. Nursery care is offered from 10 am to noon on Sundays.  

The Play Place, which is located in the Education Building, is open to children from birth through age four from 10 am to noon. We take the responsibility of keeping all of God’s children safe seriously. To safeguard, we screen and background check our Play Place workers and require them to complete Safe Church, Safe Communities Training. While your children are in the Play Place, you can expect them to be engaged in creative play, hear stories, and enjoy a snack. We open The Play Place during other special services, and at others times for the convenience of families.

Family Events: Throughout the year, a number of special events are held for children and families, such as Ice Cream Socials, Vacation Bible School, the Annual Christmas Pageant, and more.