Children

Children are welcome at St. Andrew's

Church Programs and Opportunities for Children

St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Christian Education for Children - Classes begin at 9 AM on Sundays for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade in the School building.
Children's Chapel - Worship services begin at 10 AM in the School building for children from infants to 5 years old. They come into the Church to join their parents after the sermon.

Christian Education for Young Adults - Classes begin at 9 AM on Sundays for Middle and High School students at the Youth House. The Youth House is located directly South of the Church.

Episcopal Young Churchmen (EYC) - High school age youth meet for fellowship, programs and trips at the Youth House.
Acolytes - Children from the 2nd grade though adults can minister at the Altar to assist the priest as servers.

Tell me, I'll forget.

Show me, I may remember.

Involve me and I'll understand.

WHY CHILDREN IN WORSHIP?

John Westerhoff, a leading educator in the Episcopal Church believes that children are necessary in worship.

Westerhoff believes that faith is "caught" not "taught" and what better way for children to know what faith is all about than to be a full part of the community.

When a child is baptized in our midst and made a member of the church of Christ, the adults of the congregation promise to be active in nurturing that child's faith. We need to work together to nurture our children in their faith and to be nurtured by them in return. Children give us the gift of trust and a fresh point of view; adults can share the gift of acceptance, experience and the wisdom of the church through the ages.

May we Suggest:

Relax! God put the wiggle in children … don't feel you have to suppress it in God's house.
Use a gentle touch: an arm around your child's shoulder, your hand in his/hers to give reassurance and appropriate attention.
Explain quietly the parts of the service.
Help your child find the pages in the prayer book. It is okay if they stand on the pew to see and sing.
Do not be distressed if your child does not find the proper page.
Sing the hymns, pray and voice the responses. Children learn good behavior in church by copying yours.
Always remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to church, God and Christ. Let them know that they are at home in this liturgy of praise and thanksgiving.