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.
Family Ministry Welcome Back Party
Friday, September 12, 5 to 7 p.m.
This event is for families with children and youth of all ages to reconnect and have fun together. We’ll enjoy pizza from Fireside Pizza, sweet treats from Jiji’s Frozen Custard, and lawn games, all outside at the Three Chopt Road side of the church. The cost is $15 per person or $50 per family (max); those age 3 and under are free. Reserve your tickets today!
Scroll down to the “Important Links” section for family ministry calendars and registration for 2025-26.
Serving in children’s ministry
Serving in children’s ministry is a wonderful way to build relationships within our church family and across generations. Many times, young adults as well as older adults whose children have left home or find themselves grandparent-aged enjoy engaging with young children. Parents are also welcome to serve, and they may choose whether to be in the same group with their children or with children of a different age. Opportunities include sorting food pantry donations with children, being a designated welcoming presence in the hallway upstairs in the parish house on Sunday during the formation hour, and assisting with Sunday morning formation. For families involved in the Palmer Hall worshipping community, there are specific opportunities both for whole families and individual children and adults who would like a serving role in the liturgy. St. Stephen’s practices Safe Church policies and includes background checks as part of our preparation for adults aged 18 and older who work with children. Contact the Rev. Abby Kocher, Director of Children’s Ministry, to learn more or to offer yourself for this ministry.
Important Links
Youth and Children Registration 2025-26
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.
Signing up for Youth Confirmation, Acolyte Service
If you have a young person in your family in 9th grade or older, they can take part in
- Confirmation preparation
- Acolyte teams
The registration for each of these activities is included in the “omnibus” form mentioned above.
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.
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 2025-26 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.
Co-Chairs: Greta Kidd & Katherine Farley
Children’s Ministry: Mary Ashburn Pearson, Lacy Briney, Pat Brown, Emily Souder, Adele Caputo, Sarah Paulette
Youth Ministry: Ara Hobs, Katherine Farley, Brandon Spalding, Eric Van Der Hyde, Brandy Singleton, Greta Kidd
Vestry Liaisons: Mary Ashburn Pearson, Katherine Farley, Greta Kidd, Brandon Spalding
Dogwood Preschool Liaison: Lacy Briney
Choristers Liaison: TBD
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.
Staff 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)
Diana Chou, associate director of music // email
(St. Stephen’s Choristers)
Madison Prather, nursery coordinator