CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY

St. Barnabas children and youth are the foundation of our future. We welcome and celebrate all children as God’s creation. Our mission is to develop a community of encouragement for our children and youth. We encourage our children and youth to be active participants in The Episcopal Church traditions, worship, and practices. 

If you'd like more information about our children and family ministries, email Erika McCoy, our Director of Children & Family Ministries. 

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Online Church School

Godly Play:

Preschool–3rd Grade

Join us for a live gathering time and story! As always, your family is invited to light their own Christ candle. Are you ready?

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The Godly Play approach helps children to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language, and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles, leaders respond to a child’s request to “help me do it by myself.” This way, rather than being told who God is, children begin to discover God for themselves. Godly Play was written by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Jerome Berryman.

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Sundays • 9:00 a.m. • Zoom

Sundays • 10:00 a.m. • In-person, outdoor

Sunday's Kool Experience (SKE):

4th–5th Grade

Students in Grades 4 and 5 have their own Church School class, Sunday’s Kool Experience. Crafts, games, puzzles, snacks, and tons of FUN for our kids.

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Sundays • 10:00 a.m. • In-person, outdoor

Summer Camps

Art of Creation Camp

The Art of Creation is a one-of-a-kind summer camp created, organized, and executed by over 70 volunteers of all ages. We invite 45 children (ages 4 through 5th grade) to discover the wonder of God’s love through various mediums including textile arts, sculpture, music, dance, and watercolor. The entire program is written by our volunteers and staff and the professional artisans are from our parish. The Art of Creation camp allows us to connect with new families in our community and is a shining star in our Children and Youth Ministry.

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On pause for 2021

Family Camp

at the Procter Center

Family Camp at the Procter Center is the perfect way to slow down and relax for a few days every summer.

Programs on Pause

The Nursery is available to all of our families with infants and toddlers during the 10am Service. Our amazing Nursery Attendant, Julia May, and her assistants welcome you with loving and open arms each week. Located on the main floor directly across from the Great Hall.

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St. Barnabas provides Church School from Preschool through 12th Grade. Church School is held during the first part of the 10 a.m. Sunday Service, after which the children join their families for Holy Communion. After church, while parents enjoy coffee hour, the little ones are invited to the “Kidz Corner” in the Great Hall for games and play time.

All snacks and refreshments offered during our coffee hour are nut free!

Holy Communion:

2nd–3rd Grade

Tom Kirkpatrick and Susan Crabill welcome your children to their fantastic exploration of the Holy Eucharist and your child's relationship with God. The class has a number of special lessons including a visit with the clergy when students will learn all about the sacraments and altar vessels.

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The class "graduates" on the third Sunday of November at the 10 a.m. service where the congregation celebrates them and recognizes their studies. 

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Sundays in the Fall • 10 a.m. • Undercroft

GPX (Godly Play Extension):

2nd–3rd Grade

GPX is a Godly Play Extension class, exploring the Godly Play lessons through extended learning techniques including Lego building, journaling, painting, and more. Come join the fun!

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Sundays • 10 a.m. • Undercroft