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.
Click to jump to a section:
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?
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.
Sundays • 9:30 a.m. • Zoom
Sunday's Kool Experience (SKE):
4th–5th Grade
Students in Grades 4 and 5 have their own Church School class, Sunday’s Kool Experience. Join Godly Play and stay for SKE, or sign in at 10:15 a.m. to join us for our class (we use the same meeting room). Crafts, games, puzzles, snacks, and tons of FUN for our kids.
Sundays • 10:15 a.m. • Zoom
Extra Activities
Kids' Social Chat
All ages welcome!
Join us for a fun time to hang out with you St. B friends! All ages welcome. Many weeks have a theme, such as fancy dress up, wild bingo, or outer space!
Tuesdays • 4 p.m. • Zoom
We're taking a break from our mid-week Zoom meetups while the weather is still nice. Look for this program again when it gets too chilly to be outside!
Kids' Craft Chat
All ages welcome!
Make your own art projects with Miss Erika! We'll use supplies you probably already have at home.
Thursdays • 4 p.m. • Zoom
We're taking a break from our mid-week Zoom meetups while the weather is still nice. Look for this program again when it gets too chilly to be outside!
Kids' Kitchen
4th Grade and Up
Calling all 4th graders and up! Collect your ingredients and be creative! Join our rotating chefs and friends to make a recipe for your family, play games while we wait for our dishes to cook, and share a meal together via Zoom.
Please RSVP with Erika to confirm that your chef will participate at children@st-barnabas.org
Tuesdays • 5-6 p.m. • Zoom
Upcoming Dates:
October 20
November 17
December 15
Pumpkin Glow
Sunday, October 25, 7 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Bring: Carved jack o’lantern, candle, lighter/matches, masks
Carve a jack o’lantern and eat some pizza — at home with your family — then join us after sunset for a little oohing and ahhing over our beautiful creations. More details to follow!
Since Hamilton County is in a Level 3/Red emergency, we have moved our Pumpkin Glow to Zoom. Youth are invited to come at 6 p.m. to carve pumpkins, and families are invited to join at 7 p.m. to share your creations!
Time-Outs for Parents
Moms' W(h)ine Nights
We all need a chance to take a break, support each other, and have a good laugh together! Pour a glass of your favorite beverage, find a good hiding place (ha!), and join us for a much needed “time out.”
Thursday • 8 p.m. • Zoom
First Friday Fire Pit
Hey Moms! Leave the kids with your partner or a trusted adult, and come on over for a bit of social distance fun! We gather in person on the first Friday of each month, and we rotate hosts.
Bring: chair, beverage, snack, and mask
First Fridays of the Month • 7 p.m. • Rotating hosts
Dads Go the (social) Distance
Dads (and granddads!) -- grab a beer, hide in your man cave, and hang out with your St. Barnabas friends!
Tuesdays • 8:30 p.m. • Zoom
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.
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.
The class "graduates" on the third Sunday of November at the 10 a.m. service where the congregation celebrates them and recognizes their studies.
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!
Sundays • 10 a.m. • Undercroft
