Children
Birth to Fifth Grade
Our priority is to support and nurture the spiritual well-being of children and families at St. James’s. We continue to find new and creative ways to celebrate milestones and help families and children connect with God. We hope you feel welcome to take part in some or all of the activities and opportunities shared below. If you have any questions or requests, please contact Ashlee Ligon, Director of Children’s Ministries.
Find Your Path
Sunday School
We meet every Sunday in Michaux House from 9:00 to 9:45 am. The program is split into two classes: Godly Play (ages 3–Grade 1) uses storytelling and play to nurture spiritual wonder; Growing in Faith (Grades 2–5) explores Bible stories using various activities like art, science, and cooking to engage different learning styles.
Children’s Chapel
Offered during the Sunday 10:00 service throughout the program year. Adult volunteers welcome the children into the chapel and support as children are led in worship.
Nursery
Knowing the importance of reliable childcare, our nursery is designed with care. It is available for infants and toddlers from 8:30 to 11:30 am most Sundays. The nursery is staffed by trained caregivers, including preschool teachers.
Celebrating Milestones
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We love to celebrate the arrival of a new family member! When St. James’s is made aware of a baby’s arrival, clergy will contact them to pray with them and arrange a pastoral visit. The baby’s birth is announced to the congregation with permission, and the family receives a gift and a meal to honor this joyous occasion!
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Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the Church. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Baptisms are offered as part of Sunday morning worship service most months (not during Advent or Lent).
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Each spring, children are offered the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. Clergy will offer instruction to the children and their parents, and these families are recognized (within the service) as having participated in this additional understanding of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.
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Fifth graders and their parents are invited to participate in the Bridge Ceremony each spring. As these children move from Children’s Ministry to Youth Ministry, we honor this milestone in their lives and invite them into the next phase of their faith journey.
Questions?
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are essential to the Children's Ministry, offering diverse opportunities to serve children from infancy through fifth grade. For the youngest children, nursery parent volunteers care for infants and toddlers during the Sunday service. The Godly Play program, for three-year-olds through first graders, utilizes teams of storytellers and doorkeepers to lead worship. For elementary students (second through fifth grade), the Growing in Faith Rotational Model needs workshop leaders to teach lessons, along with shepherds, materials volunteers, and service project coordinators. Adults also assist clergy by welcoming children into Children's Chapel during the main service.
Beyond regular Sunday programs, volunteers are needed for special events and behind-the-scenes tasks. Opportunities include creating personalized Baptismal Banners for newly baptized children (which can be done at home), helping to plan or staff the annual Advent Fair, and assisting with costumes, props, and chaperoning for the Christmas Pageant. The largest commitment is for Vacation Bible School (VBS), where volunteers are needed for planning, decorating, and materials preparation beforehand, and as shepherds and activities leaders during the VBS week. Youth are welcome to serve at VBS.