Children's Ministries at St. James the Less
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Welcome to our Children's Programs!
One of the highlights of coming to St. James the Less is seeing (and hearing) all the children - in the children's choirs, serving at the altar, reading at Sunday services, and participating with us in the last half of the worship service. We have many activities available for children and families, under the leadership of our priest, Mother Storm, and Christian Education Director, Susie McNiff. Read about some of them here, and please contact Susie if you have any questions. Your children will feel right at home in St. James family!
Children's Chapel (up to 2nd grade)- 10 am
Children are invited to come to our beautiful Children's Chapel and explore the wonders of Godly Play. Godly Play is a Montessori inspired approach that was developed in 1971 by the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. This program instills in children a sense of wonder and reverence for the sacred. Beautiful hands-on materials are used to convey the Biblical stories and the life of Jesus. Jesus listen to the stories and then respond through crayons, paints and clays. At 10:30 the children join their parents in the church for the Holy Eucharist. At the conclusion of the service, young people are invited to their classrooms for a period of 40 minutes.
Childcare Available
Childcare is available for infants and toddlers in the Nursery every Sunday during the 10:00am service.
Church School - 11 am
Whether your family is new to SJtL or already a part of our community, we invite you to be a part of our church school on Sunday mornings. Saint James the Less Church School offers classes that incorporate bible lessons, art projects, drama and celebration. Young people build friendships and explore their faith in an exciting way. If you are interested in having your child attend church school, please register here or call Susie McNiff for more information at the parish office. Church school takes place after the Sunday service.
Confirmation Classes
Young people begin to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of Eighth Grade. Confirmation typically takes place in May of the following year. Classes meet twice month after church.
Junior Youth Group (kids in 6th through 8th grade)
The junior youth meet every Sunday after church for discussion and outreach projects. In addition, they have an extra activity once a month, such as ice skating at Rockefeller Center; a Bowlathon to raise money for the food bank; biking along the Bronx River and more!
Senior Youth Group (kids in 9th through 12th grade)
Older youth meet the first Sunday of each month at the Rectory (Mother Storm's home) for dinner and fellowship. Between 12-20 kids regularly attend, and this is a wonderful way to just relax and be together. Midnight Run, a special ministry for the homeless, is offered to the Senior Youth Group. Various adult leaders drive with the youth into New York City to offer food, clothing, and other essentials to the homeless. Midnight Runs take place once a month during the year. Additional social activities include a visit to the 911 Museum in NYC, a bowling party with friends from Children’s Village, barbecues, and more.
Sunday Morning Ministries for Kids
Make Sunday morning worship more meaningful! Become a Reader or Acolyte! Young people in grades 4th grade and up are invited to read lessons during the service or serve as an acolyte. Is your teen a budding professor? The church school needs helpers in the classroom to assist teachers on Sunday mornings. Please indicate your interest on the registration form or talk to Susie McNiff.
Welcome to our Children's Programs!
One of the highlights of coming to St. James the Less is seeing (and hearing) all the children - in the children's choirs, serving at the altar, reading at Sunday services, and participating with us in the last half of the worship service. We have many activities available for children and families, under the leadership of our priest, Mother Storm, and Christian Education Director, Susie McNiff. Read about some of them here, and please contact Susie if you have any questions. Your children will feel right at home in St. James family!
Children's Chapel (up to 2nd grade)- 10 am
Children are invited to come to our beautiful Children's Chapel and explore the wonders of Godly Play. Godly Play is a Montessori inspired approach that was developed in 1971 by the Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman. This program instills in children a sense of wonder and reverence for the sacred. Beautiful hands-on materials are used to convey the Biblical stories and the life of Jesus. Jesus listen to the stories and then respond through crayons, paints and clays. At 10:30 the children join their parents in the church for the Holy Eucharist. At the conclusion of the service, young people are invited to their classrooms for a period of 40 minutes.
Childcare Available
Childcare is available for infants and toddlers in the Nursery every Sunday during the 10:00am service.
Church School - 11 am
Whether your family is new to SJtL or already a part of our community, we invite you to be a part of our church school on Sunday mornings. Saint James the Less Church School offers classes that incorporate bible lessons, art projects, drama and celebration. Young people build friendships and explore their faith in an exciting way. If you are interested in having your child attend church school, please register here or call Susie McNiff for more information at the parish office. Church school takes place after the Sunday service.
Confirmation Classes
Young people begin to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the fall of Eighth Grade. Confirmation typically takes place in May of the following year. Classes meet twice month after church.
Junior Youth Group (kids in 6th through 8th grade)
The junior youth meet every Sunday after church for discussion and outreach projects. In addition, they have an extra activity once a month, such as ice skating at Rockefeller Center; a Bowlathon to raise money for the food bank; biking along the Bronx River and more!
Senior Youth Group (kids in 9th through 12th grade)
Older youth meet the first Sunday of each month at the Rectory (Mother Storm's home) for dinner and fellowship. Between 12-20 kids regularly attend, and this is a wonderful way to just relax and be together. Midnight Run, a special ministry for the homeless, is offered to the Senior Youth Group. Various adult leaders drive with the youth into New York City to offer food, clothing, and other essentials to the homeless. Midnight Runs take place once a month during the year. Additional social activities include a visit to the 911 Museum in NYC, a bowling party with friends from Children’s Village, barbecues, and more.
Sunday Morning Ministries for Kids
Make Sunday morning worship more meaningful! Become a Reader or Acolyte! Young people in grades 4th grade and up are invited to read lessons during the service or serve as an acolyte. Is your teen a budding professor? The church school needs helpers in the classroom to assist teachers on Sunday mornings. Please indicate your interest on the registration form or talk to Susie McNiff.
