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

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THE NURSERY | NEWBORN - AGE 3 

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.

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The SOFT SPACE AREA, located at the front of the Nave,  features soft toys and board books so that children can comfortably move around during the service. This area is intended for quiet play for young children and should reflect the reverent nature of our worship together. We encourage families to help their little ones engage in activities that honor the sacred atmosphere we share.

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GODLY PLAY | Ages 3 -5

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.

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SAINTS & SAGES | Ages 6 -8

Children aged 6 - 8 learn with Saints & Sages. Saints & Sages explore their relationship with God through hands-on, Montessori-style learning experiences, including story, song, crafting, and play.

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CREATION FORMATION | Ages 9 - 12

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.

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FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE & MESSY CHURCH I All Ages 

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!​

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Children's Programs Throughout the Week

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SMALL HOURS: A WEEKLY GATHERING FOR NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES 

You don’t have to do this alone. Small Hours is a gathering for new mothers, a place to bring your baby, enjoy a cup of coffee, and sit down among others who understand exactly where you are. A facilitator will be there to help hold the space, but mostly, this hour is simply for you. Whatever kind of morning it’s been, you are welcome here, just as you are.

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THE TREBLES

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, the Trebles 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 summer choir camp and participate in international tours.

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SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP

Designed with our Youth and Children Advisory Group and funded by the generosity of an anonymous seed donor, this pilot brings together improv, interactive storytelling, and the Walter and June Wink method of bringing scripture to real ethical questions.  Age 12 & up 

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YOUTH ACOLYTES

Children who have completed Solemn Communion are invited to participate in the worship service as youth acolytes.

 

Sacraments

 

CONFIRMATION | 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.

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HOLY DECISIONS | Grades 4 - 7 | Offered biennially

Holy Decisions invites tweens to explore their personal values and Christian ethics, discovering how faith can guide their everyday choices. Our hope is that this class will inspire kids to make their faith and their experience at St. Luke's truly their own. Over three engaging weeks, 4th-7th graders will dig deep into their beliefs through prayer, games, and Bible stories.

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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.