Children & Youth
For Children
St. Stephen’s children’s ministry nurtures those from birth through grade 5 with formation, worship, and other opportunities.
For Parents and Families
St. Stephens Church supports families with children and youth through worship, groups, formation, and fellowship designed for them.
Upcoming event:
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Day, April 20, 10:15 a.m.
- Stuffed Easter eggs needed by April 13
- Volunteers needed Easter morning at 9 a.m.
We’ll host an Easter egg hunt on Easter morning on the Grove Avenue lawn and playground for children who have been in the 9 a.m. service in the main church as well as the service in Palmer Hall, so the hunt is scheduled to begin when both of these services have finished. Children should bring a basket. We are looking forward to a spirited and joyful hunt!
Will you hide Easter eggs that morning? Between 9 and 10 a.m. we will hide 1,000+ eggs on the playground and the Grove Avenue lawn while 9 a.m. services are taking place. If you will help, please sign up here, and meet in the Palmer Hall annex at 9 a.m. Youth and adults can both help.
Will you donate treats? Please bring plastic eggs already stuffed with candy or non-candy treats by Palm Sunday, April 13. Our goal is to collect 1,000 stuffed Easter eggs. Donation receptacles are set up outside Palmer Hall (across from Information Central). If you are donating specifically allergen-free eggs, be sure that the packaging is marked as such so that eggs can be made available to children with food allergies. If you have questions, contact Abby Kocher.
Important Links
Family Ministry Calendar 2024-25
This calendar will be updated from time to time as the year progresses.
Youth and Children Registration 2024-25
Registering your baby, child or young person helps the family ministry team plan effectively, and just as important, it provides important information about your child. Just one form for each is good for the entire program year.
Family Ministry Newsletter Sign-Up
Sign up for our family ministry email newsletter sent approximately twice a month. There is no fee or obligation. We will not give your information to anyone else.
About Family Ministry at St. Stephen’s Church
It is our honor and joy to walk alongside you and your family as we all grow in Christ’s love for one another and offer our children the gift of faith. We know the challenges families face today, and St. Stephen’s Church is committed to providing support and resources for children, youth, and parents. From our loving, professional nursery staff to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, from youth groups for age cohorts in grades 6 through 12 to outstanding preparation for the Rite of Confirmation, from family-oriented worship to small groups, classes, and speakers especially for parents, St. Stephen’s invests significant attention and resources in this area of our lives. We are always here for you.
A schedule of offerings for the 2024-25 program year will be available later this summer, along with online registration for your children and youth.
Family Ministry Guild
Family Ministry Guild
Several parishioners work closely with the family ministry staff in planning offerings for children, youth, and adults; they serve as important advisors to our clergy and staff.
Valerie Abbott, co-chair
Greta Kidd, co-chair
Bee Schnell
Ashley Tunner
Stephanie Johnson
Katherine Farley
Mary Lewis
Scott Mates
Guild meetings
Guild meetings are open to all and begin at 5:30 p.m. A new schedule for the fall will be posted here as soon as it is available.
Contacts
The Rev. Abby Kocher, director of children’s ministry // email
(children’s ministry, nursery, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)
Caroline Harris, youth ministry coordinator // email
(youth ministry, youth groups, acolytes, Confirmation, youth Bible study)
The Rev. Cate Anthony, associate rector // email
(children’s ministry, Palmer Hall, Many Parents One Vine)