At. St. Luke’s we wholeheartedly encourage children to be in worship with their families. We believe children learn to worship within the community of faith; which includes all of us. We recognize that children might get the wiggles and feel the need to move about during worship; please know that is ok. To help you during these times, we have provided a “Kid’s Corner” station in the Narthex. There you will find Children’s Worship Folders, crayons, books and helpful tips.
Nursery Option: Infant – 5 year olds
We understand that there are times when children need the opportunity for active play, and so we offer childcare at all morning services for children 5 and under. No pre-registration is necessary at this time. Our nursery is open from 8 am – 12 pm on Sundays in Room 102.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION REGISTRATION
2021 – 22 SCHOOL YEAR
As we prepare for Sunday School, youth group, and other activities this Fall want to be sure we have the most updated information on your child(ren) and family. This will help us to welcome them into the appropriate Sunday School class, Youth Group, or childcare room. It will also allow us to be aware of any special needs (allergies, etc.) and keep you informed about upcoming events and activities.
So, whether your child has participated in St. Luke’s Sunday School, Youth Group or childcare ministry before or whether you are coming for the first time, filling out this form is both helpful and appreciated!
Please take a few moments to fill out the registration form for the 2021-22 school year.
Pre-K through 5th grade offerings
Sunday School Classes: Begin Sunday, September 19th from 10 am – 10:50 am
St. Luke’s Church strives to provide an atmosphere where children can feel safe, valued, loved, and be nurtured in their growing relationship with Jesus. The goal of the Children & Family Ministry Team is also to help children deepen their relationship with God, learn about the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and become active members in the church.
COVID Procedures for Fall 2021: It is the Diocese of West Texas and St. Luke’s Church policy that all children 3 and up and all adults who work with children (paid or volunteer) are required to wear a facemask indoors. Posters are being posted outside each classroom door. Click here for more details. (hyperlink)
Pre-K – K
Godly Play Class in Room 201
Godly Play curriculum follows our liturgical calendar while highlighting stories of how God has shown His love to His people over time. Our time together typically includes a time to check in with each other, listen to a bible story followed by sharing what we all notice and wonder, then choosing work/play that help express personal connections. This respectful format is foundational to how we approach all Sunday school classes. For more information about this approach and how you can connect to the stories as a family at home, visit https://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/
1st and 2nd Grade
Communion Class in Room 202
It is our tradition at St. Luke’s to offer a special Sunday School series in Communion Instruction. This class is especially geared to first and second graders, but older elementary children are welcome as well.
Parents and guardians of 3rd graders, your child is welcome to join the communion class if he or she has not taken it or join the Worship in the Church /Acolyte Training Class at this time. Considerations are being made for gathering them into a Godly Play setting that focuses more specially on the bible stories of the life of Jesus. By the end of November, grades PreK – 3rd will be using the Godly Play format.
4th and 5th in Room 219
Oct 24 – May 22
Starting Oct. 24th
Journey through the Bible: Room 219
Journey with us through the whole Bible in two-years in an exciting interactive class. Students will journey in a short two-years though every Book from Genesis to Revelation. Students will be challenged in amazing ways to know where to find stories, seek understanding, and most importantly, to look up verses in the Bible. The Students will test their skills against each other in fun ways and most importantly against their parents in May. Come join us for the journey and see the Bible like you never imagined!
Worship 101
This class is open to all 4th-12th graders to learn all about the basics of worship during a service at St. Luke’s and how we are all the body of Christ in practicing worship together.
There will be a component of acolyte training involved for those who are interested in serving on Sunday mornings or learning about what an acolyte is.
Whether your student(s) are interested in knowing more about specifics and meanings of worship in the church and/or becoming an acolyte, this class is an exciting opportunity to learn together! Class meets on September 19th, 26th and October 10th, 17th.
Holy Strollers
With summer fun in our review mirror, it’s time to kick off our Holy Strollers program! Sign up to receive emails on all of their events below!
St. Luke’s Holy Strollers is a ministry for families with little ones from birth to Kinder. Their mission is to bring families together through a mutual bond of parenthood and lift up the JOY of being a family! Sarah Schimpff & Amy Westacott are leading this new ministry and are currently finalizing the monthly fellowship events, including parish-wide seasonal activities, play dates, holiday celebrations, and happy hours.
They will kick off the year with a welcome back event on September 22 at 5:15 pm at BurgerFi (1907 Nacogdoches Rd.). Kids can play on the BurgerFi playset while families enjoy an early dinner and connect with old and new friends.
Monday Mom’s Group
Join St. Luke’s Monday Moms Group for friendship, fellowship, coffee talk, and book discussions. Meetings are on Mondays beginning September 13 from 9 – 11 am in the church Parlor. Breakfast and childcare* is provided. Friends, neighbors, and non-members welcome!
* Please let Rachel Lincoln know if you plan to attend the Mom’s Group via their Facebook group so she can give the Nursery director an estimated headcount. Mom’s group will resume with childcare for infant-5-year-olds on Monday, September 13.
Join our Children & Family Ministry Team!
We always need more volunteers to staff our many formation programs. Want to help, but don’t know how? Would you like to work with a certain age group? Want to work behind the scenes, but not with the children? There are opportunities for all, whether you wish to serve once a week, once a month, or once a year.
Tentative Schedule of Children’s Ministries
Events for 2021-22
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- Holy Strollers Kick-off Dinner: September 15
- First Day of Sunday School: Sunday, September 19
- All Parish Retreat: October 1-3 at Camp Capers
- Fall Festival: Sunday, October 17
- Holy Strollers Friendsgiving: November 13
- Communion Instruction Celebration: Sunday, November 14
- Advent Wreath-Making Event: Sunday, November 28
- Holy Strollers Mom’s Brunch: December 8
- Christmas Pageant: Sunday, December 19
- No Sunday School: December 26 and January 2
- Baptism Brunch: Sunday, January 9, 2022
- First Day of Spring Sunday School: Sunday, January 16
- 2’s Bible Presentation: Sunday, January 30
- Holy Strollers Date Night and Parent’s Night Out: February 11
- Shrove Tuesday: March 1
- Ash Wednesday: March 2
- Stations of the Cross for Families: April 15
- Easter Egg Hunt: Sunday, April 17
- 5th Grade Step-up and Last Spring Sunday School: Sunday, May 22
- Other events with dates TBD:
- Holy Strollers Pooch Parade Party (during Fiesta)
- Holy Strollers Spring Playground Playdate
Children’s Chapel – On Hold for Now
Children’s Chapel
for 1st-5th graders during the 11:00 AM service. Children begin the 11:00 AM worship service with their families. Following the “Song of Praise,” children are invited to follow the “crucifer” (a child carrying the children’s cross) down the center aisle and to the Children’s Chapel upstairs. This Children’s service includes music, a Gospel reading, a brief “children’s sermon,” and prayers. Children are invited to participate as “crucifers,” “acolytes” (lighting the candles), and by reading the lessons. Children rejoin their families in worship during the Peace.
Preschool Chapel
for ages 2 years-old through Kindergarten from 11:20-11:35 AM in Room 201. This worship time includes music, a Bible story, and prayer time. Children are invited to serve as “crucifers” (carrying the cross) and “acolytes” (lighting the candles and passing the offering basket). Parents can send an offering with their children if they wish. (No offering is too small…even pennies!) Children already in their childcare rooms are accompanied to this service by the Childcare/Nursery staff. Children return to their childcare room afterwards.
