Children & Youth Ministries

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church lives into our vision statement by welcoming, inviting, and including children and youth into our church as integral members and leaders within the Body of Christ.
We equip and empower our young people to discern and discover the unique spiritual gifts that God has given them and we commit to walk with them as they discover how they can use their gifts to serve the church, their schools, their community, and beyond. We support and nurture their eagerness to hear how God is calling them and we believe we are called to serve as guides as they explore and articulate their faith as Christians and Episcopalians. Please explore our programs below, and see how you can get involved. As we grow and expand our ministries for and with children, youth, and their families, we thank you for your prayers, presence and continued support. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to help out, please contact our Associate for Congregational Development, Mtr. Liz Embler-Beazley at  lembeaz@stpauls-lakeview.org.

NURSERY Children from birth through 3 years old are invited to our church nursery during the 9:00 AM Sunday School hour and the 10:15 am service. The nursery is staffed every Sunday by two wonderful people ready to play and entertain the youngest members of our church! Parents are welcome to pick their children up for communion. We ask that parents sign their children in and out of the nursery each week and we ask that parents fill out a family information card for us to keep on file as we get to know your children.

CHILDREN'S EDUCATION Our Sunday school curriculum is called Godly Play, a Christian education program designed to help children explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. What is Godly Play?
  • Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance.
  • Godly Play has a Montessori foundation with 40+ years of research and practice.
  • Godly Play values process, openness, discovery, community and relationships.
  • Godly Play models the worship life, stories, symbols and rituals of Christian congregations.
  • Godly Play allows practitioners to make relevant and personal theological meaning.
  • Godly Play nurtures participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.
Learn more about Godly Play HERE.

YOUTH MINISTRIES
  • CLUB 45 We now offer a youth group for our younger members in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th. We meet once a month for fun, faith, and fellowship. 
  • Playground & Pizza Offered periodically from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday evenings, we invite adults and children to gather on the turf on the corner of Vicksburg & French for fellowship, snacks, music and energy-burning on the playground. No need to bring a thing. Just come and have fun with your St. Paul's Community friends! 
  • St. Paul's Senior High Group This group is for anyone in grades 6-12. You should consider joining the Youth Group if you are new to the church and are interested in meeting kids your own age;  if you love to have fun but want to explore the big questions of growing up; or if you just want to be a part of a community that loves and accepts you. Twice a month during the school year, St. Paul’s Youth Group meets for food, fellowship, and fun. These days are used for outreach within our community, such as Christmas Stockings for the Homeless, as well as worship opportunities with each other, such as Advent Wreaths and Christmas Caroling. We also participate in diocesan activities for youth. Check them out HERE.  
  • Mission Trips During the summer our active youth go on mission to serve the underserved within and outside of our community. For more info email Fr. Rob at   rcourtney@stpauls-lakeview.org. 
  • Confirmation Is offered once a year, typically in the Spring. Contact Fr. Rob for more info.  

ACOLYTE PROGRAM Beginning in 1st grade children are invited to participate in the celebration of the liturgy by serving as an acolyte. We offer two ways to serve as an acolyte. The first is as a Junior Acolyte. Junior Acolytes process in with the altar party, sit at the altar during the Liturgy of the Word, and lead the children to children's chapel. Children who can sit through the entire service and follow along with the liturgy in the prayer book and hymnal are welcome to sign up to serve on one of the acolyte teams.  Acolytes serve once a month. Formal training is offered once per year and additional training is offered as needed.
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Questions? If you have any questions or concerns or would like to help out with Children and Youth Ministries, please contact Fr. Rob Courtney at  rcourtney@stpauls-lakeview.org.

Ministry Architects Partnership

In January 2022, St. Paul's began partnering with Ministry Architects to renovate our children, youth, and family ministries. Throughout this 18-month process, we will work to revitalize these ministries and make them sustainable. You can read more about this work here.