For Children

St. Stephen’s children’s ministry nurtures those from birth through grade 5 with formation, worship, and other opportunities.

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For Youth

St. Stephen’s youth ministry engages young people in grades 6 through 12.

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For Parents and Families

St. Stephens Church supports families with children and youth through worship, groups, formation, and fellowship designed for them.

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Upcoming event: Superbowling

Sunday afternoon, February 9 | Sign up by February 3 
Each year we offer an afternoon of bowling on Super Bowl Sunday, with younger children and their parents in one group, and youth in another. We’ll be at River City Roll, 939 Myers St. in Richmond. Everyone attending (including friends/guests) must sign up in advance, and you’ll receive payment information in your confirmation email.

Children and parents: Families with children will meet at the bowling alley at 2 p.m. We’ll play for about two hours, wrapping up around 4 p.m. to get home in time to watch the game (if you need to leave sooner, that’s absolutely fine). The fee is $15 per person (parent or child) with a family maximum of $45, and covers games and shoe rental. Children age 3 and younger are free.

Youth: Youth in grades 6-12 will gather at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Café @ St. Stephen’s to board St. Stephen’s vans and return for a 4:15 p.m. pick-up time. The fee of $15 per person covers games and shoe rental.

Parents/Children

Youth

Important Links

Family Ministry Calendar 2024-25

This calendar will be updated from time to time as the year progresses.

Calendar

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.

REGISTRATION

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.

Sign Up Now

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)