Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.’ Luke 18:16

CHURCH SCHOOL will resume on Sunday, September 27 at 10:45 am in the Undercroft. This year’s fall curriculum will focus on teaching the children about Jesus’s Miracles.  Again, after each reading, the children will engage in age-appropriate activities.

As a reminder, each church school lesson will end during the announcements so that all children and teachers can join the congregation for the remainder of the service.  Fr. Aaron will also ask the children to come forward to have their backpacks blessed on the 27th.  Please plan accordingly.

What is church school and who is it for?

Christ & Saint Stephen’s Church conducts church school each Sunday beginning at 10:45 am for children ages 3–12. Sessions take place in the Undercroft and each session concludes in time for the children to join their parents and the congregation for the Eucharist. 

What is the curriculum?

Our Church School year starts in mid-September and concludes in mid-June.  Our curriculum focuses on stories from both the Old and New Testaments.  After each reading, the children engage in age-appropriate activities.  Most recently, the children created large-scale drawings representing their interpretation of the respective stories, which were then displayed on the wall in the Undercroft for all to view.  During special Church seasons like Advent and Lent, the sessions focus on unique projects.

How do you get there?

When arriving for church school, please enter through the main church doors, and the ushers will direct you and/or your children to the Undercroft. We extend a warm welcome and look forward to seeing you.

What other programs do you offer for families?

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of programs for children and families, in conjunction with various Christ & Saint Stephen’s outreach programs—for example, Halloween pumpkin decorating (used during the 69th St. Block Association Halloween event) and Christmas cookie decorating (with cookies then distributed to our Brown Bag guests). In addition, children are invited to participate in the Christmas Eve family service and an Easter Egg hunt in the church garden. Older parish youth are encouraged to serve as acolytes. 

What about babies and young toddlers?

Babies and young toddlers are welcome in the main church service! The sound of a baby crying is a joyous noise for us. Children under three are also welcome in the undercroft with church school during the service, but require parental supervision; we have no creche or nursery attendant.

What are the toilet and baby-changing facilities like?

In the undercroft, one of the restrooms has a toddler-size toilet as well as a standard-size. Space is available for baby changing; we are working on our facilities!