Children's Ministry

Worship

Worship is central to our existence as a parish and anchors our relationship with God and one another. We welcome children to all our worship services, and we also offer age-appropriate care and ministries for young children every Sunday of the year.

We are creatures of habit, and children are no different from adults in needing to establish a routine and understanding of what should and should not occur during worship. The sounds of young children in worship are a welcome sign that St. Mark’s is doing its part for future generations.

Sunday School

2025 – 2026 Sunday School Schedule Sept – May  

Little Blessings Nursery – (infants to 4 years old) – open for all three services: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm 

Godly Play (pre-k to 5th grade) - 8:30 am service 

We offer 4 classes during the 10:30 am service.  All children will gather in Mahon Hall at 10:15 am and then will dismiss to one of four classrooms for a 30 min class before they join their family back in the sanctuary at 11:00 am.

  • Play & Pray Pre-K (ages 3 & 4)
  • Godly Play (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
  • Faith Builders (2nd Grade & 3rd Grade)
  • Friends in Faith (4th Grade & 5th Grade)

Our new classrooms need volunteer leaders (adults over 18), and youth helpers (junior high/high school students). This is a fun, easy opportunity for everyone to help the St. Mark's children grow in their faith! Volunteer to sign-up for ONE hour 4 times per year (though you are welcome to lead MORE than 4 times if you like!). All materials and easy to follow lesson plans will be provided. To sign up to help teach a class in Sept or Oct, (there will be quarterly sign-ups), click on the button below.

So that we may best prepare for our classes, we kindly ask you to complete a registration form for EACH child attending this year.  Use the button below to register your child.

To register your child, or if you have any questions, contact Gina Wood, Director of Children's Ministry at [email protected]

Service

Service

Service rounds out St. Mark’s vision of faith formation. We believe that service transforms the helpers as well as those we serve. Recent service projects have included

Educational Offerings

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School

Worship, Education and Service come together annually in our week long Vacation Bible School program.  This perennial favorite offers time for Bible stories, skits, crafts, games, mission collections, music and dancing. We welcome children ages four  to incoming 5th graders from St. Mark’s as well as the community. High school and middle school youth assist as leaders for the younger children.

The Annual Christmas Pageant

The Annual Christmas Pageant

The Christmas story comes to life as the children bring its message to worship on the Fourth Sunday in Advent during the 10:30 am service. Rehearsals take place in early December.

Children’s Choir

Children’s Choir

The St. Mark’s Children’s Choir is comprised of boys and girls in grades 1st through 5th.

  • Sings once a month at the 9 am service
  • Rehearses weekly, Wednesdays at 4:30 – 5:15 pm.
  • Joins the other choirs for major festivals around Christmas and Easter.

Childcare Protocol

St. Mark’s is a very visible and centrally located church with lots of entries. On Sundays all entrances are unlocked from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. While we are welcoming of all people, our primary responsibility is safety for anyone in the building, especially our children.

We follow the guidelines in Safe Church, Safe Communities.

Children age 11 and younger must be under direct supervision at all times. During classes and activities sponsored by the church, the Safe Church, Safe Communities procedures require two persons over the age of 18 to be in charge. These individuals also have to complete and pass a background check. Outside of those classes or activities, a child 11 and younger must be with any family member 12 years old or older.

Parents, please direct your children age 11 and younger to stay with a teacher/leader until you are reunited. Most children join parents in church, but if your child needs to come to a classroom or nursery, instruct your child to stay with the leader/teacher assigned.

To learn more about Safe Church, Safe Communities, please go to https://www.episcopalchurch.org/safe-church/.

Questions? Please contact the Children's Ministry Director, Gina Wood.

CHECK OUT THE 2025 ASP TRIP VIDEO
Members of the trip will be at St. Mark's on Sunday, 8/24, to talk about their experiences.
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2025 ASP Trip Blog
Check back daily for a blog update on the ASP Trip!
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