St. Peter’s is blessed by the presence of babies and children in our congregation. Just as we encourage adults to come as they are, we celebrate what it looks like to have young ones in our midst. That means that your children, with all of their curiosity, wiggles, and even fussiness, are welcomed as a part of our community and enfolded in love. Your child brings their own spiritual gifts and perspectives, and they will find a home at St. Peter’s. We believe that often it is our children who help us better recognize and understand how God is present with us, calling us to better love one another. 

We are committed to supporting your child in their life of faith. Children of all ages engage in ministry programs that ground them in the teachings and worship style of The Episcopal Church. However, more than any program or curriculum, there are two central beliefs and goals that guide everything we do for children’s ministry at St. Peter’s: First, that every child knows they are loved by God, exactly as they are, always and no matter what. Second, that church is a place where they can show up as themselves and be loved and safe. 

Family Worship Service

Although St. Peter’s welcomes children at all times, a special service for young children and their families takes place at 9 a.m. every Sunday during the school year. This service nurtures children’s spiritual formation and growth through singing, stories, crafts, and communion. It is a playful, energetic service, led each week by a member of the clergy and our Children’s Ministry Leader on guitar. This is a long-standing service at St. Peter’s, often attracting 30-40 attendees each week. The Family Worship service is held at 9 a.m. in the Parish House at 313 Pine Street.

What’s happening with Family Worship this season:

At Family Worship this year, we are going to dig into promises and values. Not just because they are important to us at St. Peter’s, but because we believe they are important to God. We believe the promise to be open and the values that help us do that tell us about who God is and how much God loves us. 

As we look at each of St. Peter’s values – Spirituality, Welcome, Inclusion, Community, Outreach, History, Courage – we will hear Bible stories about those values and we will use art, play, and other fun activities to figure out how we live out these values too. 

If you’d like to be added to our email list to receive notices about the Family Worship, please sign up for our email newsletter here or contact Associate Rector Rev. Sarah Hedgis-Kligerman at [email protected].

Sunday School

Sunday School for children age 10 and under is held during our 11 AM worship service in the church during the school year. When you arrive to church, please walk your children to the Wiggle Room (accessible through the door to the right of the Reading Desk). Children will still return from Sunday School during the Peace so your family can participate in Holy Eucharist and receive communion together.

What’s happening with Sunday School this season:

The stories of the Bible come to life through the Peace Table Bible, with its vibrant illustrations and engaging translations. In Sunday School, we will be following the Peace Inside companion curriculum for the Peace Table Bible. Peace Inside focuses on the way we find peace within ourselves, even in a chaotic world. 

For the first five weeks of Sunday School, our Peace Inside theme will be I Am Special. Be ready to hear stories from the Bible that tell us we are each so special to God. Along with stories, we will make art, play games, and learn prayers and songs to recite together. 

Sunday School is led by an amazing group of volunteers from the congregation who are thrilled to teach and support children on their faith journey. There will always be one teacher and at least one additional adult volunteer, and all Sunday School leaders have completed background checks and training in how to keep children safe. 

We use a theologically progressive curriculum from Shine Curriculum called Pathways to Peace. This curriculum is used in conjunction with The Peace Table Bible, an amazing children’s Bible. Pathways to Peace groups stories from the Bible around a theme, focused on how we live in peace with God, creation, and one another. 

While children engage in age-appropriate faith formation, parents are free to stay in the sanctuary and listen to the sermon. However, if parents would like to accompany their children, they are most welcome.