Jesus loves the little children, and we do too!


Dean Kate emphasizes that our parish welcomes families with children!

St. John’s welcomes families with young children!

Children’s Chapel Service is designed for children age 4 years through 3rd grade. During our 9:00 a.m. service on Sundays (10:30 a.m. during the summer),  children gather at the back of the church, process behind the choir and go together to their own worship space. There they experience a liturgy designed just for them, and their own Sunday bulletin guides them from the opening sentences and offertory through the reading of and response to the Gospel.  Music is a part of every chapel time with liturgically appropriate hymns and other church songs to appeal to kids. Children’s Chapel concludes with the Prayers of the People and the Passing of the Peace, after which children rejoin their families in the main sanctuary for communion.

Sunday School
Sunday mornings, 10:15 a.m. Offerings include:

►Godly Play: No Single Way to Learn 
Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language – parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.  For Pre K—3rd grade.
►Tweens under the Tent: A Journey in the Old Testament
A special program just for our young people in grades 4 and 5.
►Youth
Click here for more information on St. John’s youth programs.

Wonderful Wednesdays

Our Wednesday night program starts with dinner at 5:15 p.m. and great arts and music activities for children at 5:45.

►Choristers
All choristers rehearse from 5:45—6:30 p.m.  on Wednesdays.  After this time all choristers from Pre-K to fifth grade are invited to attend a children’s worship time from 6:30-7 p.m. in Room 202 with Pam Searcy.  Older choristers can receive homework help at this same time in Room 201.  We’re expanding the choristers’ program this fall to involve more children and prepare even our youngest singers to become Senior Choristers by third grade.

  • Junior Choristers—for Pre-K to second grade.
    Directed by Pam Searcy.  They will rehearse in Room 202 along with the Novices.
  • Novices—for first or second graders who aspire to join the Senior Choristers when they enter the third grade.
    Also directed by Pam Searcy. They will rehearse in Room 202 with the Junior Choristers. On Sundays, Novices will vest in cassock only and process to Children’s Chapel during the 9 a.m. service, then join the Senior Choristers in the choir stalls at the Peace for the remainder of the service.
  • Senior Choristers—for third grade and up.
    Directed by Tim Tuller.  They will rehearse in the Choir Room on the second floor of Cathedral House.  Senior Choristers will vest and process each Sunday during the 9 a.m. service, and will sing an anthem at least once per month.

Nursery
The St. John’s Cathedral Nursery is offered to children age three months to four years of age. Staffed by highly trained teachers, the nursery provides a loving, safe environment that allows parents to attend services and special events without worry as to the care of their children. During nursery time, singing and a Bible story are shared with the children. Art supplies, as well as fun-learning toys are made available, and snacks are provided. Our motto and commitment to all children who attend our nursery is, “Blooming in God’s Love!”  Nursery care is free and available during Sunday services and Wednesday night programs.

The ABC’s of shepherding a young child in worship

A – Arrive in time to find a good place to sit. Sitting near the front provides young children with a better view of the Sanctuary.

B – Be sure, before entering the church, to pick up a pew bag from the ushers. This bag contains quiet toys, books and drawing materials to enhance children’s worship.

C – Clue the children as to what will happen next during the worship service. Children who can read will want to follow the service in the bulletin and find hymns in the hymnal. They like to be ready.

D – Discuss worship at home or on the way to church to prepare children for any departures from the routine, such as baptisms, special guests, intergenerational events or major Feast days of the Church. Allow time to answer questions about their worship experience.

E – Express your gladness at being at church and having your children with you. During the Passing of the Peace, be sure to welcome all the children that sit next to you. Include them in your conversations after worship and let them know that they belong.

F – Free yourself from worry about the child’s behavior and be open to receiving their ministry to you.