Children are a vital part of St. Thomas' life.  Bringing children into church is like inviting them to eat at the dinner table. Even when their manners are less than polished, we hope they will eventually become comfortable participating. In the meantime, we welcome them and feel they play an integral part in our community.

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During the traditional school year, St. Thomas' offers Sunday School for Children at 9:30 am upstairs in the Sunday School Classrooms.

 

Children can also look forward to the following activities throughout the year at St. Thomas':

 

Alleluia Egg Hunt

Mini-Mission Camp (Day Camp for 3rd-5th graders)

Parish Retreat to Shrine Mont

Advent Activities

Lenten Activities

Pentecost Activities

Earth Day Activities

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During Worship

We welcome infants and children of any age to remain with their family during the entire worship service and there are children's activities and crayons available from the usher. If your child needs to leave the service for any reason, we ask that they be escorted by an adult.

 

Children & Communion

The Episcopal Church encourages full participation in our liturgy, and children of all ages are welcome to communion. When we baptize children, we welcome them into God’s family, just as they have been welcomed into our individual families. It may be years before children understand nutrition, but we feed them anyway. Likewise in church, children may not understand all the mysteries of communion but by joining us at God’s table, they are receiving sustenance for the journey. Their understanding will grow as they grow. 

 

In addition to children remaining in worship, some families may wish to take advantage of these offerings:

 

Nursery - for infants up to 4 years old

We offer a staffed nursery during every Sunday morning worship service, as well as during Sunday School.  It is located in the Day School wing and is offered for infants and toddlers up to 4 years old.  Parents must sign their child in and out.

 

Children’s Chapel -  up through 3rd Grade

At the 10:30 am service, younger children who are in worship may take part in an age appropriate educational time outside of the service during the sermon. Children will begin the service with their family and then follow their leaders to the Parish Hall after the Gospel reading. They will return to worship at the Peace.

 

Acolyte - 3rd Grade and older

Children can help lead worship by assisting as acolytes. If your child is interested in becoming an Acolyte, please talk to Deacon Frank.

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If you have questions about children's ministry at St. Thomas', contact Katie Cosby at kcosby@stthomasrichmond.org.