At St. Francis we believe that children, by virtue of their Baptism, are full members of the Body of Christ. This means that they are full participants in our common life of prayer, witness and service. We welcome children and their families, and seek to proclaim the Gospel in ways that lets them receive and respond to God’s love. Our children’s ministries are designed to nurture children in their faith, both through education, and by allowing them to share their unique gifts with all of us. 

Children and Liturgy: Children are welcome at all services at St. Francis. Baptized children of any age may receive Communion at St. Francis. All children are invited to come to the rail with their family to receive a blessing.

Nursery: Though children are fully welcome to sit with their parents in church, we also provide free nursery care at both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. 

Children’s Chapel: To meet the specific worship needs of children in a more child-friendly space, we introduced in the Fall of 2000 a children’s chapel at 9:45 a.m. on Church School Sundays. This service combines children’s music, prayer, story-telling and discussion time. It serves as a ritual opening and short Liturgy of the Word for the Church School. 

Family Worship Sundays: One Sunday per month, instead of Church School, children and adults worship together for a full-length service at 10 a.m. Sometimes we celebrate a special feast day such as a St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals or All Saints Day. Other days we focus on a theme such as prayer or ministry. All such services are designed to engage both young and old. This is an evolving tradition at St. Francis; a time for creativity and experimentation with new forms of worship.

Acolytes: Boys and girls with sufficient maturity (and height to reach the candles) are welcome to complete training and then serve as Acolytes in our worship services. Acolytes serve on a regular schedule as crucifer, torch bearer, banner bearer, and assist at the altar in the Eucharist. The St. Francis Acolyte Corps also travels annually to participate in the Diocesan Acolyte Festival. 

Church School: After Children’s Chapel, classes for Pre-School through 6th Grade meet most Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Students then join their parents in church for Holy Communion. We use the Living the Good News Episcopal curriculum. Each Sunday the lesson focuses on the Gospel being read in church that day. It uses an experience-based approach, which engages the children through a variety of learning styles, and encourages them to share their own questions about God. A team of three teachers teaches each class. Over the summer, when Church School is not in session, we have a children’s video series.  Our youth Journey to Adulthood (J2A) class for 7th graders and up also meets during this time.
 

Youth Group: The St. Francis Youth program for 7th to 12th graders seeks to combine fun, fellowship, learning, service and participation in the parish and Diocesan community.  The Youth Group has a monthly event and also participates in Diocesan Youth Events such as camping, retreats, service camp and skip trips.

Confirmation: Confirmation training is offered periodically to teens and adults who feel ready to receive this sacrament. 

God and Me Program: Scouts wishing to earn the God and Me component of their God and Country award can work with the Rector and a volunteer mentor to complete this program. 

Youth Choir: We invite singers of all abilities, kindergarten through high school to participate in the Youth Choir.  Practices take place during coffee hour.  In the Fall, the Youth Choir rehearses music for the Christmas Pageant and in the Winter and Spring they prepare an anthem for one Sunday service per month.

Vacation Bible School: Each July, St. Francis, in partnership with the Willow Glen Methodist church, hosts a three-day Vacation Bible School. This ecumenical VBS combines worship, Bible learning and play activities for pre-schoolers through 6th graders. Teens are invited to participate as teaching assistants and activity leaders.

Family Events: Families are at the center of parish life at St. Francis. Some of the family events that take place are:

• St. Nicholas Party
• Epiphany Party
• Parish Picnic
• Christmas Pageant
• Carnival
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Family Fun Night

We welcome your ideas and creativity.

 Who’s Who in Children’s Ministries at St. Francis
(See also our "Contacts" page):

Rector:  The Reverend Chrisopher Creed

Assistant to the Rector: The Rev. Katherine Baginski Doar

Vestry Liaison for Children and Family:   Katie Magleby

Church School Coordinator: 

Nursery Care: 

Youth Ministry Team:  The Parents

Youth Choir Director:   Katie Magleby

Acolyte Coordinators:  Bill Johnston, Tana Perotin