The spiritual nurture and formation of young people is a top priority at St. Francis. Our growing number of young families prompts us to keep expanding and improving our ministry to the young.

       SUNDAY SCHOOL: ALL THINGS NEW

      All children's classes begin at 10 am in the Children's Wing, during the school year.
     No matter our age, we teach each other who we believe God to be by our actions, our words and our relationships. In Sunday School, we teach the faith to children ages 2 through the fifth grade using the "All Things New" curriculum. There are classes for 2 and 3 year olds, 4 and 5 year olds, first and second graders, third and fourth graders and fifth graders.
     "All Things New" focuses on great stories of the Bible and the Episcopal basics. While children in each class experience the same story each week, the teaching methods and learning activities are designed for the needs of particular age groups.
    
       NURSERIES - We have an Infant Nursery for babes in arms and a separate Toddler Nursery for the slightly older little ones. Our nurseries are staffed by child care professionals supported by parent volunteers. The nurseries are open 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 5:45 - 7:15 pm on Sundays, during Evening Prayer on Thursdays, for various special events and other times as needed.

      CHILDREN IN WORSHIP - Worship is soul-shaping activity. Children need that every bit as much as grown-ups, so we want our children to have a regular worship experience that's meaningful for them. One size doesn't fit all, and we want children to worship in ways that take into account their ages and personalities. Some are fine in formal worship services, and children are always welcome (special service leaflets with activities and puzzles are available during the 11:00 service with activities that correspond to the Gospel lesson. Just ask an usher).
      Most children don't fare so well sitting still for long stretches of time. So, every Sunday morning at 10:50, the children gather in the in the Children's Wing for Children's Church. Most are brought there by their teachers from Sunday School (which starts at 10 during the school year). In Children's Church, trained adults lead the children in a worship experience designed to provide children with a variety of ways to connect to God. Developmentally appropriate activities engage children in worshipful celebration that includes singing songs and hymns, and praying silently and aloud, using liturgy adapted from the Book of Common Prayer.
      During the Exchange of the Peace in the Adult Service, an acolyte gathers the children and leads them into Church where they reconnect with their parents for Communion. Some parents gather their children from the nursery at this point. Children of any age are welcome to receive Communion. If they are not ready yet, they may still join others at the altar and receive a blessing. A little noise in the second half of the 11 o'clock service is a price we gladly pay to have the whole family at the table.
     
      YOUTH GROUP - Our Youth Group is entering a very exciting time as parents and youth are in the process of creating a meeting space especially for youth and their leaders. Expanding programs for preteens and teens (sixth grade through high school seniors) are being developed and implemented to promote fellowship and fun, prayer and spiritual growth for both middle and high schoolers.   Youth at St. Francis engage in service projects like Hunger Walk, Rebuilding Together, Weekend Lunch Program and Vacation Bible School. In addition, they study Scripture, pray together, and support each other through daily life.
     Several of our Episcopal Youth have gone to Happening, a weekend retreat for teens, and have even gone back to serve on Happening Staff. We have sent a Youth Delegate to Diocesan Council and are active in Diocesan Youth Council. We encourage pre-teens to attend New Beginnings, a retreat similar to Happening. This summer, several youth are attending a week-long event at Camp Mikell.

      ACOLYTES - Anyone in 5th grade or older is invited to serve as an acolyte. Assisting at the altar is a learning experience and is a much more engaging way for young people to participate in worship than just sitting in the congregation. Our approach to acolyting is non-threatening, non-perfectionist and low-stress.

      GROUNDS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT - We have spacious grounds and lots of play equipment, which we are always revamping. In partnership with the Montessori School, which shares this place, we will be upgrading the play equipment even more over time.

      SUMMER CAMP - Many of our children attend summer camp at Camp Mikell, a spiritually valuable experience we support with scholarships from St. Francis.