Christian Formation for Youth

St. Stephen’s is committed to providing Christian Formation programming for the adults and youth of our parish. To that end, we offer the following youth programs:

Child Care: Child Care is available during our 10:30am service on Sunday mornings (9 am during the summer) in the Ark room where young children are safely supervised and can play with Bible-related toys. Our child care provider will be available from 10:15 to the end of the service.

Godly Play: Godly Play is Christian education for 3-8 year old children. This programming takes place during the 10:30 service on Sunday mornings through the end of the service (September 10-June 9). Godly Play is “a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance” for our younger children. Children learn about the teachings of Jesus through play and art activities.

Older children’s group: The older children’s group for 8-12 year olds meets Saturday evenings 5-7 pm (September 9 -June 8). The content focuses on the weekly scripture readings and activities to develop better understanding of worship and scripture. The older children will discuss the scripture readings for the week and participate in an activity based on the Gospel. The meeting provides food (usually pizza), and ends with a service of Compline that is open to the parish. Parents are welcome anytime.

Teen Group: We are still working on developing a multi-church teen group. This group will follow a specific weekly scripture program. We will also provide confirmation programming as needed.

Currently, there are opportunities for our older youth and teens to be involved in our worship services, through serving as acolytes, ushers, readers, and intercessors.  Children and youth will have the opportunity to be involved in service to our local community. 

Additionally, we have three intergenerational events each year, during Lent, summer, and Advent. The children also produce a Christmas pageant on Christmas Eve.