Children - St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Sunday School

Beginning fall 2026 our Children’s Sunday School will be divided into two classes to better meet the needs of each age group. We will now offer Children’s Sunday School (Pre-K through Grade 3) and Intermediate Sunday School (Grades 4 & 5), allowing lessons and activities to be more engaging and age-appropriate for every child.

Intermediate Sunday School (4th and 5th graders)

As students enter 4th grade, they will receive their own Bible to help strengthen their Bible skills and serve as a stepping stone as they prepare for our older children’s classes. This class will use the Spark House Connect curriculum, which helps students see how individual Bible stories connect to the larger themes of Scripture. Over a two-year journey, students will build a strong foundation by exploring the Old Testament before continuing into the New Testament to learn about Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection.

In addition to Sunday lessons, students in the Intermediate class will have opportunities to participate in fun excursions throughout the year, giving them the chance to grow in their faith beyond the walls of the church.

Sunday School (Pre-K through 3rd grade)

This class follows a three-year curriculum cycle featuring 36 key Bible stories that align with the Church Year. Each month, children will focus on one Bible story, exploring it each week through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities such as art, drama, cooking, music, games, and more. By experiencing each story in different ways, children have the opportunity to better understand and remember God’s Word.

To help continue learning at home, families will receive a children’s bulletin and monthly newsletter with information about the Bible story and ideas for reinforcing each lesson throughout the week, making it easier to bring faith beyond Sunday morning.

Wonderful Wednesdays

Wednesday evenings are filled with opportunities for children to learn, grow, and have fun together! The evening begins with Choristers 5:30–6:00 p.m., followed by dinner. After dinner, children will enjoy supervised playground time from 6:15–6:45 p.m. before gathering for Children’s Formation at 6:45 p.m. The Nursery is open from 5:00–8:15 p.m. for our youngest children.

Throughout the year, Children’s Formation will follow the liturgical calendar while exploring topics that help children grow in their faith. Lessons will include Saints, Seasons, Sacraments, Spirituality, Service, and Social Justice, giving children a well-rounded understanding of our faith and how to live it each day.

Children & Youth Registration

Each year, we ask parents and caregivers to complete a simple registration form for children and youth participating in life at St. Thomas. This helps us keep contact information and important details up to date and ensures we can communicate with families throughout the year. Whether your child is joining us for Sunday formation, youth group, Wonderful Wednesdays, or other activities, we invite you to complete the registration form each year.

families ministry registration

Acolytes

Acolytes are students (kindergarten – 12th grade) who carry crosses, candles, and other items in procession and help in a number of ways throughout the service. Serving as an acolyte is a great way for children to gain leadership experience and learn more about Episcopal worship

Acolyte Training happens at least two times a year to welcome and prepare Acolytes for serving during the 10:30 worship service on Sundays as well as special services.

Nursery

We love to hear the sound of children in worship, and we also recognize sometimes parents need a break. We offer professionally staffed nursery care for infants and toddlers through the age of 4, and invite you to stay with them until they feel comfortable. Our ushers will be happy to show you to our professionally staffed nursery. The nursery is available on Wednesdays and Sundays and during special services. For more information contact Shayla Holloway, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at [email protected].

Events for Children

Throughout the church year we have special happenings and programs. These events open learning possibilities in their preparation, are exciting for the children to experience and make wonderful memories. Some examples of these events are Advent Workshops, Blessing of the Animals, Trunk Or Treat, All Saints Day, The Animal Meeting, EpiscoKid Adventures, and the Christmas Pageant.