Children’s Ministry
Birth to 5th Grade
Our priority is to support and nurture the spiritual well-being of children 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 us below.
Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for Sunday School and Children’s Ministry for the 2026-2027 program year. All children, regardless of how frequently they participate, are encouraged to register so that we have accurate records for all children in the parish. Thank you!
For Children
Sunday School
We meet every Sunday on the second floor of Michaux House from 9:00 to 9:45 AM during the program year. We split into classes by age: Godly Play(ages 3–Grade 1) uses storytelling and play to nurture spiritual wonder; Mini Revolutions (Grades 2–5) is lectionary-based curriculum grounded in the sacred rhythms of the Church year. Coffee is available for a time of fellowship for parents while their children are in Sunday School.
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 to provide a safe and warm environment for our youngest parishioners. It is available for infants and toddlers through age 4 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM on Sundays and Wednesday evenings during the program year. The nursery is staffed by trained caregivers who have completed the Episcopal Safe Church training and cleared background checks. For questions, click here to contact our Nursery Coordinator.
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 would be delighted to visit families and offer prayers of thanksgiving. The baby’s birth is announced to the congregation with permission, and the family receives a gift to honor this joyous occasion! Click here to submit our form for New Birth Announcements.
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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). Please click here to submit our form that will notify us of your interest, and a member of the clergy will follow up with you as soon as possible.
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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?
Children in Music
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Kindergarten to Grade 2
In addition to learning anthems for services, the children learn vocal techniques and fundamentals of music. The Cherub Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 PM and sings at various Sunday services.
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Grades 3 to 5
The Children’s Choir sings in unison anthems for treble voices with emphasis on hymns of the church. We rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM and sing at various Sunday services.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are essential to St. James’s Children's Ministry—offering diverse opportunities to serve children from infancy through fifth grade.
Godly Play (ages 3–Grade 1) utilizes teams of storytellers and doorkeepers to lead worship. For Grades 2-5, Mini Revolutions Curriculum needs teachers to lead lessons and help with classroom management. Teachers are provided with orientation and training, detailed schedules, and our placed on teams that are scheduled no more than twice a month during the program year (September through May).
Adults also assist by welcoming children into the Children's Chapel during the 10:00 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.