“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 Church 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, education/formation on Sundays and throughout the week, youth groups, choirs, outreach, and meaningful social engagement.
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 and Faith Fellowship
Growing in Graceful Parenting
Postponed: Rescheduling soon
Do you want to connect your faith with your family? Do you want to grow in grace-filled parenting practices, to support and love your children, raising them to know and love God and others? All parents who have children and teens in their homes are invited to join other parents for 3 weeks of a simple supper and fellowship, conversation, and support, with childcare provided for children up to 5th grade. Local parenting coach and facilitator Lisa Corcoran (Parenting Playbook) will facilitate the conversations and brings wisdom and faith to support parents on their journey to grace-filled parenting. Topics will include The Power of Gratitude: A Counter to Depression and Anxiety; Reflective Listening and Respect; and Raising Resilient Children and Teens; all centered in faith.
Sunday Children & Youth Formation
September 18, 2022 – April 30, 2023
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 services. Children, grades 5 and under, and parents are invited to attend the Children’s Sermon during the 9:15am service. We also have Family Worship geared toward children up to age five and those who worship with them. Click here to access the worship livestream.
Childcare (3 Months to 5 Years Old)
Childcare is provided during worship and other events that will benefit parents, including: fellowship activities, community groups, and other special events. On Sunday mornings, childcare is available from 8:30am to 12:15pm for those attending the 9:15, 9:30, and 11:30 am 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.
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 downstairs in the Choir Room, in the Undercroft (lower level) of the Chapel building.
Godly Play (Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1)
Join us Sunday mornings for Godly Play! Godly Play is a Montessori-based curriculum that nurtures the spiritual lives of children through storytelling, wonder, and exploration of our sacred stories. (Godly Play Room 1 is on the lower level of the Chapel building.)
Children’s Formation (Grades 2-5)
Children from grades 2-5 are welcome to join us for Children’s Formation using SPARK! SPARK is a lectionary-based curriculum crafted to explore the Bible and spark faith through hands-on and engaging activities, lessons, and prayers. (The Undercroft is on the lower level of the Chapel building)
Middle School Sunday Fellowship (Grades 6-8)
Middle School Morning Fellowship meets every Sunday morning in the Library from 10:30-11:15 and is for all 6th-8th grade students. This is a time for Middle School students to talk about Jesus and connect with one another. This year we will be looking at the stories of Jesus and asking what it means to walk with Jesus and grow in grace. (The Library is on the second floor of the Chapel building.)
High School Sunday Fellowship (Grades 9-12)
High School Morning Fellowship meets every Sunday morning in the Youth Lounge from 10:30-11:15 and is for all 9th-12th grade students. This is a time for High School students to talk about Jesus in a space that welcomes questions, doubts, and exploration. It is also a time to connect and know one another more deeply. This year we will be looking at the stories of Jesus and asking what it means to walk with Jesus and grow in grace. (The Youth Lounge is on the lower level of the Chapel building.)
Confirmation (Grades 8 and up)
A year-long 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).
At-Home Formation and Formation through Music
At-home formation options available, upon request, for all ages. Please contact Emily Given.
For opportunities for formation through music, see the music page.
St. David’s Youth Fellowship Groups
The EDGE 4th & 5th Grade Group
As a first youth group experience for tweens, The Edge builds community beyond Sunday. Meets every other month, beginning in October.
Middle School Youth Group
Middle School youth group meets every Sunday night in the Youth Lounge from 6:30-7:30pm and is for all 6th-8th grade students. During youth group we talk about Jesus, hang out, and play games.
High School Youth Group
High School youth group meets every Wednesday night in the Youth Lounge from 7-8pm, following Youth Choir rehearsal, and is for all 9th-12th grade students. During youth group we talk about Jesus, hang out, and play games.
Living Our Faith
Youth Feeding Ministry
A feeding ministry that prepares and serves breakfast to area residents at St. John’s in Norristown. This ministry meets the first Sunday of each month.
Acolytes
Becoming an acolyte at St. David’s is a wonderful way for our young people to grow in their faith and assist in worship. They typically serve about one Sunday a month in a variety of roles, from carrying the processional cross to holding torches. Our acolytes love to be part of the service and we accept new members at any time of the year.
Choirs
The music programs at St. David’s offer opportunities for children and youth to become involved in the life of our parish through music. Through participation in our choir program, singers and ringers have the opportunity to grow in their faith, develop musical skills, work together in a group setting and provide musical leadership for the congregation. The choirs all rehearse weekly, lead worship on a regular basis, and participate in special services throughout the year.
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.
2023 Camps will be held the week of June 26-30. Registration is now open!
Vacation Bible School & Music Camp 2023
Vacation Bible School & Music Camp 2023
Summer Camps June 26-30, 2023
Vacation Bible School
9:00 am to 12:00 pm | $100 per camper by April 7th, $120 per camper after. For Pre-K (age 4) through Rising 6th Graders
2023 Summer Youth Retreat
2023 Youth Summer Retreat
2023 Youth Summer Retreat
Youth Summer Retreat to New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia July 9-13, 2023
Open to rising 9th graders (entering 9th grade in fall 2023) ...
Slideshow: 2022 Kentucky Youth Mission Trip
This July 3rd through 9th, 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!