by Becca Ito, Minister for Children, Youth, Families, and Community Engagement. Contact her here.
We believe children and youth are full members of the church, not future members. They are capable of teaching us, leading in worship, and building intergenerational connections among us. Thus, all our ministries and programs for young people are designed to equip, empower, and make space for them to explore their divine belovedness in community — in a word, discipleship.
We also recognize parents’ and caregivers’ need for sanctuary, sustained silence, and spiritual nourishment. This is why we offer several ways for families to worship with us on Sundays. We seek to support families such that young people’s discipleship isn’t merely “outsourced” to the church, nor is it left in individual caregivers’ hands to handle on their own. Discipleship of our young people is a joyful, honest, communal endeavor.
What does this actually look like in practice?
Young people are a part of the life of our church and our worship together—wiggles, whispers, and all! They are welcome to participate in the liturgy as much as they’re able and willing, so you can invite them to sing the songs, say the prayers, make the sign of the cross, and ask questions about what they’re noticing.
There are also coloring pages in the back of the sanctuary that correspond to the Scripture readings of the day.
Nursery is available for ages 0-5 every Sunday during worship. Children can be dropped off downstairs before service, and picked up during the Passing of the Peace, so we can all participate in Holy Eucharist together.
Most Sundays, kids aged 5-11 are dismissed for Children’s Chapel right before the Scripture readings of the day. In Children’s Chapel, they hear good news from the Scriptures in a contextualized space and get to respond in prayer, art and/or practice. They rejoin the congregation at the Passing of the Peace to participate in Holy Eucharist together.
Additionally, we are always looking for adults who want to share their time and energy to be a safe, empowering presence to our children! Interested? Reach out to Becca.
The first Sunday of every month is special. Young people of any age are empowered to serve during the service as our greeters, ushers, lectors, intercessors, and A/V folks. If your child(ren) expresses curiosity or interest in a role, talk to Becca or a Priest to get that conversation started!
Because Children’s Chapel isn’t offered on these first Sundays of the month, Becca designs collaborative art projects that all people — young and young at heart — can quietly participate in during the service. Individuals pick up their supplies in the narthex on their way into service, and return their art and materials at the end of service. Silent instructional videos are often provided through the QR code on the art materials box.
See examples of past projects that now adorn our worship spaces.
Questions? Ask Becca.
During the 9 AM Sunday Formation Hour, young people ages 11-18 (typically middle and high schoolers) are welcome for breakfast, light conversation, and occasional art projects. Past topics have included “What’s Lent For?” and “Creation Care and Forest Care-Taking.” Questions? Ask Becca.
Additionally, we are always looking for adults who want to share their time and energy to be a safe, empowering presence to our youth! Interested? Reach out to Becca.
At 10:10 AM (20 minutes before our 10:30 AM Sunday service begins), everyone age 5+ is invited downstairs for quiet Psalm singing, examen questions, and breath prayers. We do this to regulate our bodies and imaginatively open ourselves up to what God might be wanting to say to us today.
Additionally, we are always looking for adults who want to share their time and energy to be a safe, empowering presence to our children! Interested? Reach out to Becca.
An example of a collaborative art project exploring quilt patterns.
Article last updated: April 28, 2026
