Children & Youth Ministry
Children are a part of our community and a part of our worship. You may hear children making noise during the service or notice parents stepping in and out of our sanctuary as they tend to our youngest members. We are blessed by the presence of our families. If your little one likes to color or read, there are crayons and books available. We have toys and a changing table in the parish house.
Integrated Family Ministry (Second Sundays)
Second Sunday of each month our 10AM service will be devoted to family ministry. There will be a story sermon, activities/crafts after church, and lots of opportunities to be involved with worship at the level that you are comfortable. These Sundays are especially devoted to flexibility, joy and celebrating our relationship with family, friends, and Jesus.
For our kids and teens (age 4+) : Rev Erin would love for kiddos to help with worship. This could look like carrying the cross, helping her set the altar for Communion, reading scripture, helping the ushers collect/bring up the offering, even ringing the bell! We will help each kid learn the ropes and practice so that they can feel confident on Sunday morning.
If you would like to participate in worship on a Second Sunday, please let Rev Erin know what Sundays you are present this fall and what you would like to help with!
Our New Children’s Ministry Director
This summer we hired a part-time Director of Children’s Ministry, Ms. Jennifer Dugan (“Ms. Jenn”), who will oversee our children’s ministry programs, including Sunday School. Ms. Jenn will also coordinate volunteers in both the classroom and nursery.
A note from Ms. Jenn . . .
Hello everyone! I’m honored to be joining you all at St. Stephen’s. I currently serve as Head Teacher at Young Horizons, where I’ve worked for 16 of my 25 years in early childhood education. My role at Young Horizons includes developing curriculum aligned with Connecticut Early Learning Development Standards and mentoring staff working with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. I even supervise a few former students who now work as teacher’s aides!
I was raised Roman Catholic and received my First Communion and Confirmation at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Wallingford. I even helped teach a 5th-grade CCD class for a time. Though I later stepped away from the Catholic Church, my love for God has only deepened.
Meeting the Reverend Erin was such a blessing, and through this new role, I feel God calling me into more intentional service. I’m excited to nurture the faith of your children and create a Sunday School environment where they feel welcomed, safe, and spiritually fed.
My goal is simple: to help our children grow in their love for God—and be excited to come to church every Sunday. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I can’t wait to get started!
Sunday School & Other Opportunities
At St. Stephen’s we are blessed to be a multi-generational congregation and are delighted to offer opportunities for children of all ages. Children and youth are always welcome in worship, as well as the nursery and Sunday School – whether you are a member or visitor your child will be included at a level comfortable for them.
Infants
We offer nursery care on the 4th Sunday of each month, with plans to grow this offering to more Sundays as additional volunteers become available.
Ages 3 to 9
Our Sunday School curriculum draws upon Godly Play® to support children’s faith development by talking about God’s love in their language-through story and play.
About Godly Play®
Our Sunday School program is primarily geared towards children ages 3–9 and draws upon the Godly Play® curriculum. Godly Play utilizes Montessori methods and encourages children to explore Bible stories through wonder, imagination, and hands-on response.
Each Godly Play session includes a sacred story, time for reflection, and an open-ended creative response. Children already have an innate understanding of God—our goal in Sunday School is to help them find language to express that which they already know and to continue to grow in wisdom, faith, and joy.
Children will gather in the classroom each Sunday between 9:50 and 10:00 AM to settle in. They will rejoin the congregation in time for Eucharist. On lay-led Sundays (the 3rd Sunday of each month), they will remain in the classroom for the entirety of worship.
Pre-Teens & Teens
Youth ten years old, and up, are encouraged to take on meaningful roles in worship, including the role of Acolyte and Worship Leader. Assignments will be based on readiness and interest.
Older children can serve as teaching assistants while engaging with Godly Play stories. During reflection time, they’ll help guide our younger children. Children continue to learn through teaching others.
Placements in classes and worship roles will be determined in conversation with parents
Click on the button below to indicate your child’s interest in involvement.