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.
Summer events for children, youth, and parents
Maymont in May
Thursday, May 29, 10:30 a.m.–noon.
Preschoolers (with a caregiver also attending) are invited to visit the petting zoo and farm. We will meet there and enjoy seeing the animals. Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket. We’ll eat together outdoors and enjoy the time together. RSVP by email to Abby Kocher.
Ice Cream at Gelati Celesti (Bon Air location)
Sunday June 1, 3:30–5 p.m.
All children through rising 6th graders, along with parents or other caregivers, are invited to gather at the Bon Air location of Gelati Celesti in the Stony Point shopping center (this is on Huguenot Road—not Stony Point Fashion Park). Order what you like, and we will enjoy ice cream outdoors in the green space where children can play freely.RSVP by email to Abby Kocher.
Visit St. Stephen’s parishioners at two retirement communities
Cedarfield, June 8, 2–3:30 p.m.
Westminster-Canterbury, August 10, 2–3:30 p.m.
Elementary age children and youth are invited to a Sunday afternoon of playing board games, doing crosswords, or other activities with residents of these two retirement communities where many St. Stephen’s parishioners live. We will need some adult/parent chaperones but not all parents need to stay on site.
Registration for Westminster-Canterbury will be available closer to the time.
Park 365 picnic Sunday June 22, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join other families to enjoy Sunday lunch and a time to play at the beautiful and accessible Park 365 playground (3600 Saunders Ave., Richmond, Virginia 23227). Bring a side dish to share. The church will provide a main course. We have reserved the central covered shelter with picnic tables. All families with children ages newborn through rising 6th graders are welcome – this is a whole family event.
Youth Mission Trip: June 29-July 4 in Asheville, North Carolina
This summer, we are partnering with Asheville Youth Mission Co for our youth mission trip. We’ll engage in service projects addressing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity while deepening our faith through worship, evening programs, and community-building activities.
Pool Party
Sunday, July 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Weinstein Jewish Community Center, 5403 Monument Ave.
Elementary age children are invited for an afternoon to play and swim at the JCC’s indoor recreational pool. Some parents are needed to chaperone, but not all parents need to stay. If your child is a non-swimmer, however, you must stay. Pre-registration (coming soon) will be required for this event, as space will be limited. The JCC is located at 5403 Monument Avenue.
Parents of Youth Social: Sunday, August 17, 4-6 p.m.
Parents of youth in grades 6-12 are invited to an end-of-summer social at Bar West for fellowship and an introduction to the upcoming program year. Youth ministry leaders will be present to tell us about opportunities available to youth.
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)