Children’s Ministry – Birth to Fifth Grade

Our priority is to support and nurture the spiritual well-being of the children, youth, adults, and families of St. James’s. We continue to find new and creative ways to celebrate the milestone events in our family’s lives and help families and children connect with their God.  We hope all children and families at the church will take part in some or all of the activities and opportunities shared here.  If you have questions or  there are other ways we can support and encourage your family, please contact Ashlee Ligon, Director of Children’s Ministries, at 355-1779, ext. 314.  You and your family are always in our prayers!

St. James’s loves to celebrate the arrival of a new family member! When the church is made aware of a baby’s arrival, clergy will contact them to pray with them and arrange a pastoral visit. The baby’s birth is announced to the congregation (with parental permission) and the family will receive a gift and gift card for a meal to honor this joyous occasion.

Holy Baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body the Church. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one of more baptized persons. (Book of Common Prayer, page 298). Baptisms are offered as part of Sunday morning worship service most months (not during Lent or Advent). All Saints Day, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after Epiphany) are especially appropriate dates for Baptism. For information about Baptisms contact Ashlee Ligon at 355-1779, ext. 314 or childrensministry@doers.org.

Children in first grade will be offered the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Eucharist during the spring. Clergy will offer instruction to the children and their parents, and these families are recognized (within the service) as having participated in this additional understanding of the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

St. James’s fifth graders and their parents are invited to participate in the Fifth Grade Bridge each spring. As these children move from Sunday School in the Children’s Ministry to JYF (Junior Youth Fellowship) in the Youth Ministry, we honor this milestone in their lives and invite them into the next phase of their faith journey. Contact Ashlee Ligon at 355-1779, ext. 314 or childrensministry@doers.org.

Each summer for one week, campers age three through rising 3^rd grade participate in a fun-filled program of stories, games, crafts, music and more! Our weeklong schedule offers routine and structure while engaging children in Biblical stories and service opportunities. Youth volunteers serve as counselors and provide wonderful role models for VBS campers.

Each December the children, youth and Youth Choir present a Christmas Pageant to our parish. Children participate as supporting roles of angels, stable animals, sheep and shepherds. It is highlight of the season!

The clergy and church staff are here to support you and your entire family.  Please let us know how we can be praying for you and supporting the needs of your family.  We’re never too busy for a pastoral call.

Please contact Ashlee Ligon at childrensministry@doers.org to learn more about any of the children’s offerings.