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?
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' 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
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.
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.
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
