worship with children
We believe in full inclusion of all people in the body of Christ and the life of the church. Children are present in our services, where they are invited to pray, sing, and worship with us. We welcome their presence, in all their energy and curiosity! Over time, they will learn the rhythms of liturgy simply by being present, and will begin to participate in various ways as they grow. And when children are present in worship, adults deepen their understanding of the Body of Christ and learn how to be joyfully embodied.
Questions about worshipping with children at St. Mark's? Contact our Minister of Children, Youth & Families, Lily Dodge, at lily@saint-marks.com.
During Worship Services
Please be assured that your child, fidgets and all, are fully welcome in this worshipping community. We invite them to pray with their bodies -- coloring, tracing, using other quiet manipulatives; standing, sitting on the floor, however they come. They are also invited to participate in liturgical jobs (like lighting candles, carrying up the bread and wine for Eucharist, offering the dismissal, etc).
Coloring Bulletins
Each week, clipboards are available with crayons, coloring sheets, and a page of “thought questions” to encourage deeper engagement with the sermon, readings, and prayers. Anyone of any age is welcome to take one to use during the service!
Adults are encouraged to look at the thought questions and coloring pages that their young people are working on as a way to spark discussion and connection. The drive home from church is a great time to talk about what young people thought, felt, and wondered during church!
To ensure the return of all materials, candy is exchanged at the end of the service for returned coloring bulletins. This has made them very popular! If your child has allergies or otherwise needs a special kind of treat, please let us know.
Liturgical Jobs
Children are invited to participate in our liturgy by doing a variety of jobs, from lighting and snuffing candles, carrying up the bread and wine for Eucharist, or reading a short line of dismissal at the end of the service.
Our Children, Youth & Families Minister will invite children to participate during the service - but it is an invitation, not an obligation. If your child is not interested, that is okay!
We always strive to find meaningful ways for young people to connect with our worship. If there is a specific thing your child is wondering about or likes to do, please connect with us to discuss how best to include them!
Liturgical Fidgets
People of all ages and all traditions have used various “fidgets” to help their minds and bodies find stillness.
Wooden “finger labyrinths” and beaded Episcopalian rosaries are available for use during worship services for anyone who wishes to try this ancient practice!
Children and families can also take time outside to sit near the fountain or walk the labyrinth at any time on Sunday mornings.
Taking a Break
If your child needs a break from the worship service, you are always welcome to step into our rear narthex (through the doors at the back of the church). Speakers in the rear narthex play the audio of our service, so it is a popular place for families when their child needs some extra space while still staying connected.
There is also a changing table, a table with coloring materials, and a quiet space with beanbags and a selection of Christian children's books.
Outside of Church
Children's Program
Each week, from 11:30-12:30 (after the 10:00 a.m. service), we have Children’s Program. This is geared specifically toward children ages 5-11 or grades K-5.
Children's Program is a developmentally appropriate way for them to understand, ask questions about, practice, and otherwise engage with what they heard during the worship service, Scripture readings, and sermons that day.
Special Events
Throughout the year, we have special events for the congregation to celebrate the holidays and feast days of our church. We always include programming and activities at these events specifically geared toward children.
You can find our calendar of upcoming events here.
At Home
The Children, Youth & Families program at St. Mark’s aims to equip families with the tools, understanding, and desire to live out their faith at home and school. Throughout the year, we will send home resources for praying at home and creating family rituals of joy, peace, and grace.
recent news
- All
- Children & Family
Kids Cook Agape Recipes
Last week, five of our St. Mark’s children cooked up a feast for our weekly Agape! We made …
The St. Mark’s Children’s Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Each year, the children of St. Mark’s cook one meal for Hotel de Zink. Traditionally, we make Mexican …
Children’s Chapel – Jesus Predicts His Own Death
As we continue to shelter at home, please check out our St. Mark’s YouTube channel for a new Children’s Bible Story …
Children’s Chapel – The Birth of John the Baptist
As we continue to shelter at home, please check out our St. Mark’s YouTube channel for a new Children’s Bible Story …