CHILDREN
GROW WITH US!
At St. Luke’s, we see faith as a life-long journey, beginning with our youngest children. We believe that children already have a relationship with God, need space and quiet time to let that relationship be felt and nurtured, and need words and names to help recognize and retain that relationship. We respect children and believe that they deserve and can understand the biggest, most important parts of church life.
We seek to introduce children to God through prayer, music, and play. For us, this happens in a variety of ways. We offer spiritual education and formation on Sunday mornings, age-appropriate worship services for young children and their families, a highly-regarded choral music program, and much more.
Sunday Morning Children's Programs
Our Sunday morning programs offer varied and rich experiences for children and families. The programs and meeting times vary each week; please check the schedule below!
THE NURSERY | NEWBORN - AGE 3 | 9:30 am
Although children of all ages are always welcome in worship at St. Luke’s, we do offer the option of nursery care for younger children. We provide a safe, clean, and happy environment where qualified nursery and childcare workers make each child feel comfortable and loved. The nursery is available each Sunday beginning at 9:30. The nursery is a nut-free area.
GODLY PLAY | Ages 3 -8 | 9:40 am
The Godly Play method is a curriculum of spiritual practice exploring the mystery of God’s presence in our lives. The Godly Play curriculum engages what is most exciting about religious education: God inviting us into—and pursuing us in the midst of—scripture and spiritual experience. Godly Play practice teaches us to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives.
CREATION FORMATION | Ages 9 - 12 | 9:40 am
Our Creation Formation program re-imagines Sunday School for our older children. Creation Formation is centered around our belief that curiosity, creativity, and an open mind are essential elements of the Christian faith.
FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE & MESSY CHURCH I All Ages | 9:00 am
Families share in a short, simple Eucharist which includes prayer, song, and lots of wonder. Afterward, we'll enjoy a light refreshment and a fun family arts and crafts project. Appropriate for the youngest children and their families!
INTERGENERATIONAL BOOK CLUB | Ages 8 & Up
Children, parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to share in lively conversation about the selected book. Parents may leave in time for the service; children are welcome to stay until the time of the Eucharist. Please contact the church if you have any difficulty tracking down a copy of the book.
Children's Programs Throughout the Week
PARENT & BABY YOGA
Babies, toddlers, and their adult caregivers are invited to join us for this gentle, therapeutic-style, and story-based yoga. Move and meditate with Mother Goose! Drop-ins are welcome!
STORY, SUPPER, SINGALONG | Thursdays 5:30 - 7:00 pm
All are welcome for a whole-parish weekly simple supper hosted in the Parish House basement. Those who wish to may listen to a Godly Play story at the stairwell and sing along to some hymns with our music staff. Those who wish to sing more may stay on for the St. Cecilia Singers, Trebles, Evensong Singers, or St. Luke's Choir rehearsals. The kitchen will stay open for latecomers until 7:00 pm.
This accomplished choir is open to all children and youth aged 8 to 18, regardless of religious affiliation. Combining the highest standards of musicianship and performance with leadership and teamwork, Choir School students learn musical skills and theory through the curriculum of the Royal School of Church Music in America (RSCM) and receive a small stipend for their work. Choristers have the opportunity to attend choir camp each summer and participate in international tours.
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Middle and high school students have many opportunities throughout the year to participate in community service activities.
YOUTH ACOLYTES
Children who have completed Solemn Communion are invited to participate in the worship service as youth acolytes.
Sacraments
CONFIRM NOT CONFORM | Grades 7-9 | Offered biennially
Our confirmation program, Confirm not Conform, provides a safe place for youth to explore the breadth of the Christian tradition, ask questions and express their doubts, and discover what they truly believe. CnC meets weekly, with 7th-9th graders from St. Luke's, St. Mark's, St. Matthew's, and St. Augustine's participating.
SOLEMN COMMUNION | Grades 2-4 | Offered biennially
Young children in our parish receive communion from the time they communicate a desire for it, but may want to know more about the sacrament as they get older. The Solemn Communion program is offered for children in second grade or higher, to deepen their understanding of what takes place during the Eucharist. It involves a series of classes, culminating with the Solemn Communion Service where each child is welcomed into a deeper relationship with God. In the classes, adults and children wonder together about the mystery of communion and the profound gift given to us in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is an invitation to consider a singular moment in a child’s spiritual life in new and age-appropriate ways.
Keeping God’s People Safe
The St. Luke’s community is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere for our children and youth. To foster a secure environment, we provide Keeping God’s People Safe training to all who work with our children and youth, including church school teachers, mentors, clergy, and staff. This training sensitizes us to the dangers of child sexual abuse and teaches us to recognize and prevent situations in which abuse or exploitation might occur. Please contact the parish office if you have any questions regarding this training.