Children are welcomed and loved at St. John’s, and can attend any of our worship services. We encourage you to sit near the front, where your little ones can see and hear what is happening at the altar, and to help them find the hymns and prayers in your bulletin.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these…. whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
~ Matthew 19:13, 18:5
Open Communion
Our communion table is open to all, including children. We welcome everyone to partake of communion as they feel comfortable, following the instructions from the Celebrant.
Supports for Young Families
We offer a variety of supports for young families, and invite you to find what’s best for your family.
PRAY GROUND
During our 9:00 am “Family” Service, a carpeted “Pray Ground” area at the front of the Nave provides a space where young children can play quietly while also being a part of worship. The front pew is reserved for parents to support their children as needed.
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
Also during the 9:00 am worship service, Children’s Chapel provides a special time for songs, stories, and prayers geared especially for children in grade 2 and younger. After the first scripture reading, a cross bearer leads participants out of the Nave for Chapel, then returns them before Communion. A family member is welcome to accompany and support their youngster(s).
SUNDAY PAPERS & KIDS’ KITS
To help families attend our worship services, we offer a Sunday Paper, with quiet activities based on today’s Gospel for children under 10. For younger children, ages 2 to 11, ask an usher or greeter for a Kids’ Kit. These drawstring bags contain lacing cards, an Etch-a-Sketch, a lift-the-flap Bible, and books designed to help children learn about the Episcopal tradition, liturgical items, and feast days.
WORSHIP STREAMING IN THE LOUNGE
If your child is feeling a little restless during the service and needs to stretch their legs or their vocal cords, Worship Streaming is available in the Lounge (where you’ll also find our children’s library collection!), just outside the front-right doors of the Nave.
CHILD CARE
Child care is available in our Nursery downstairs. It’s open during the 9:00 am and 11:15 am services for children under six, and during the Education Hour (Sundays from 10:00 to 11:00 am) for children under three.
We take the care and keeping of little ones seriously and require our child-minders to be vaccinated against COVID-19, pass a background check, and complete the Episcopal Church’s child protection training.
