“Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Christian Formation for children and youth is a vital part of our mission as a church. St. David’s recognizes the home as a primary place of faith formation and seeks to support spiritual growth within the family. We also provide opportunities for our children, youth, and their families to grow in the faith, deepen their sense of community, and make a difference in the world as part of the wider congregation. This is accomplished through worship, formation (education) on Sundays and throughout the week, youth groups, choirs, outreach, and meaningful social engagement. Scroll down to learn more!
The success of our Family Ministries program is only made possible with volunteers. To get involved, please contact one of our Family Ministries staff members.
Family Ministries Staff
Emily Given
Director of Christian Formation
Email
610.688.7947 x216
Maria Leal
Director of Children’s Formation
Email
610.688.7947 x229
Elliot VanHoy
Director of Youth Ministry
Email
610.688.7947 x220
Sunday Children & Youth Formation
September 17, 2023 – April 28, 2024
Sunday Children & Youth Formation Overview
There are several options for children and youth to worship and learn on Sundays. Children and youth of all ages are welcome to participate in all services. Children, grades 5 and under, and parents are invited to attend the Children’s Sermon during the 9:15 a.m. service. The Primary, Children’s, and Youth Choirs also periodically lead worship during the 9:15 a.m. service. We also have an interactive, hands-on worship service at 9:30 a.m. geared toward children up to age five and those who worship with them. Can’t attend in person? Click here to access the worship livestream.
Childcare (3 months to 5 years old)
Childcare is provided during worship and select special events. On Sunday mornings, childcare is available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for those attending the 9:15, 9:30, and 11:15 a.m. services. Drop off and pick up is in the Childcare Nursery (Chapel building, lower level), where you will receive a beeper in the case you need to be reached.
Godly Play (Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1)
“An imaginative method for nurturing the spiritual lives of children.” Godly Play uses a Montessori-based approach that involves storytelling, prayer, art, silence, and liturgy which serves as an introduction to the life of faith and worship. Snacks and drinks provided.
(Godly Play Room is on the lower level of the Chapel building.)
StoryMakers NYC (Grades 2-5)
StoryMakers brings the Bible alive through zines (short for magazine), offering multiple ways to engage diverse learning styles. Children can act out the part, dig into the facts, and engage in a creative activity. Snacks and drinks provided.
(The Classroom is on the lower level of the Chapel building)
Middle & High School Sunday Formation (Grades 6-12)
Have you ever wanted to know more about Jesus? Who was he, who were the disciples, what were they like, what was the place they lived like, what did he preach? Then join us this year as we watch these questions come to life in the documentary series “The Chosen.”
(The Youth Lounge is on the lower level of the Chapel building.)
Children’s Sermon (Grades 5 and Younger)
Children will leave during the Gospel hymn, and return at the Peace. An age-appropriate sermon, hymn, and prayers will be shared. The children’s sermon is held in the Harrison Room, located past St. David’s Hall and the Gift Shop & Art Gallery, in the Chapel building.
Confirmation (Grades 8 and up)
Do the big questions in life leave you scratching your head? Do you ever wonder about Jesus, the Bible, prayer, church, and more? Then confirmation is for you! This is a time for students to discuss and question what this whole Jesus thing is really about! Confirmation for youth is a half-year process of self-discovery and affirming of faith through interactive scripture engagement, mentorship, service, and relationship building. Open to students in Grade 8 and above. (The Harrison Room is on the first floor/main level of the Chapel building).
St. David’s Youth Fellowship Groups
The Edge (4th & 5th Grade) Fellowship
The Edge Youth Group for 4th & 5th Graders will be meeting every 1st Sunday of the month this year, beginning Sunday, October 1. Some of the events will take place on campus and others off campus. Rock climbing, movies, ice skating, outdoor games, hide and seek, board and cards games, are just a few of the plans for this year. Did we say lunch was included? It is! Youth is one of the most beautiful phases of life; make it a memorable one by getting to know the other youth in your church community.
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-8)
Middle School youth group meets every Sunday night in the Youth Lounge and is for all 6th-8th grade students. During youth group we talk about Jesus, share our lives, and play games.
High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12)
High School youth group meets every Wednesday night in the Youth Lounge, following Youth Choir rehearsal, and is for all 9th-12th grade students. During youth group we talk about Jesus, share our lives, and play games.
Children & Youth Choirs
Choir rehearsals for the 2023-2024 program year will return in September during the week following Labor Day. Primary (age 4 – grade 1) and Children’s Choirs (grades 2-5) and Youth Choir (grades 6-12) rehearse on Wednesday evenings and include dinner. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings.
Living Our Faith
Summer Vacation Bible School & Music Camp
For one week each summer we host Vacation Bible School paired with Music Camp for a full week of faith-filled fun!
Vacation Bible school runs a half-day in the morning and Music Camp a half-day in the afternoon so that children may attend either or both.
See photos from our 2022 Vacation Bible School and Choir Camp below.
2024 Camps will be held the week of June 17-21. Registration will open in early 2024.
2024 Summer Youth Retreat
Stay tuned for more information.
2023 Summer Youth Retreat
Slideshow: 2022 Kentucky Youth Mission Trip
July 3-9, 2022, a group of youth and adults travelled to Harlan County, Kentucky to learn, connect, and serve in collaboration with the Pine Mountain Settlement School. There, among other things, they helped to clear invasive kudzu plants. They also hiked up Chained Rock, explored a cavern, visited “The Niagara of the south” and more!
Would you like to volunteer or get involved with one of these ministries?
Fill out the form below and someone will contact you. Parents/Adults only please!