CHILDREN AND FAMILY FORMATION

We accept all children as God’s creation, who are welcomed by Jesus as unique in origin and special in abilities. Through our Church School program, we aim to develop active and committed people who give freely of their time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of God and others. 

We teach our kids foundations of faith, traditions of The Episcopal Church, and how to apply these in their lives. The children of St. Barnabas will grow into caring, nurturing, and Godly people through our ministry of faith formation.

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All of our teachers are Safe Church certified. 

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

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!

Godly Play:

Preschool (potty trained)–1st Grade

Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. 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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Two classes:  Preschoolers ages 3-5 and K-2nd Grades

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Sundays • 10 a.m. • Undercroft

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

Sunday's Kool Experience (SKE):

4th–5th Grade

Our 4th and 5th Graders will discover their faith through this creative and interactive curriculum. Lessons weave together the scriptures to create a lively exploration of the New and Old Testament. Crafts, games, puzzles, snacks, and tons of FUN for our kids.

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Sundays • 10 a.m. • Undercroft​

Church School Teachers

Help minister to our children and youth, and teach Church School in any class from Pre-K through 12th grade. As part of a team, no one is obligated to teach every week. Teachers are provided a curriculum, materials or supplies for the lesson. 

Sundays • 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