Children & Youth
Our youngest members join us every Sunday in the church, in our nursery, and in Children’s Chapel, where we experience God’s love together through prayer, stories, play, and creating. Children and youth also serve as ushers most Sundays, and are often the first faces to greet worshippers arriving on the front porch. Third-grade and older youth serve as acolytes and readers, and regularly help with our hospitality, and we live our faith together outside of worship with youth outreach programs and intergenerational pilgrimages. Through these formation opportunities our children and youth learn to name God’s love in their lives; to walk as disciples of Christ; and to lead as servants in their community.
Nursery (ages 0 to 4)
We extend a warm welcome to you and your family at Christ Church, where children are always part of worship. As one of our parishioners once said to the mother of a fussy baby, “God put the wiggles in children.” If you prefer childcare for little ones age 0–4, our nursery is available during services. When you arrive at the church, an usher will guide you to the nursery. Our nursery staff has been with us for years, and along with their extensive childcare experience we require background checks and Safe Church, Safe Communities training.
Children’s Chapel (Pre-K to 5th Grade)
During the 10:30 a.m. service, children from pre-K to 5th grade process downstairs for Children’s Chapel, otherwise known as the “little church.” During Children’s Chapel, we pray and sing, learn and wonder, and create and move. We generally follow the same liturgy as the “Big Church,” and we focus on learning how to name the ways we experience God’s love every day in our lives, and how to live our thanks for God’s love and creation. We return to our families during the Peace and are present for communion.
Worship Volunteers (3rd to 12th Grade)
Sunday morning worship is a vital formation opportunity for young people, just as it is for adults. Children and teenagers serve as ushers, lectors, leaders of the Prayers of the People, children’s chapel and hospitality helpers, and acolytes. By experiencing and leading worship, all of us are led to greater love of God and neighbor. If your child or teen is interested in serving during Sunday morning worship, please contact John Audette, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
Confirmation (7th grade and up)
Confirmation is an important part of youth formation at Christ Church, and the Confirmation journey is designed to help our youth grow in faith and prepare to maturely confirm their commitment to walk as disciples of Christ. The journey begins in the spring of 6th grade with Foundations, a fun and engaging introduction to faith and community. In the fall, students begin formal Confirmation classes as 7th graders, culminating in a multi-night retreat. The Confirmation journey concludes during the bishop’s annual visitation, when students are confirmed through the laying on of hands. If you are interested in learning more about confirmation, please contact John Audette, Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
Pilgrimages
Christ Church has a long history of taking youth groups on pilgrimages both near and far to experience the diversity of cultures and creation in God’s Kingdom. Our children and youth explore places in the local region during intergenerational overnight trips, and for our youth members and their friends age 13+, we venture further afield for multi-night outdoor adventures.
Seasonal Events
Join us throughout the year as we mark various liturgical and life seasons! We hold a back-to-school blessing at the start of each academic year; an opportunity for Advent wreath-making on the first Sunday of Advent; a Christmas Pageant each Christmas Eve; and an Easter egg hunt on Easter morning; and a senior recognition day each May.
St. Cecilia Choir and Choristers
These unique programs give children from K through 12th grade the opportunity to learn music and instill a lifelong love of singing and the church. Learn more about these programs!
