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Children are important to us at St. Thomas. We promise at their baptism to bring them up in the Christian faith and life.
Children’s Chapel provides an opportunity for young children through 4th grade to experience scripture and worship at their own level. Led by volunteers, the children hear and respond to the same scriptures read in the main service. Of course, singing is a big part of Children’s Chapel.
Early in the main service, an acolyte carrying a cross leads the children from the church to Children’s Chapel. After Chapel, they return to the main service during the sharing of the Peace to join their parents for Communion. Children are always welcome to remain in the church during the entire service.
Nursery is available for children under the age of 3. Our Nursery is fully staffed by people certified in First Aid and CPR. The room is bright and spacious, with toys, cribs, areas for changing diapers, and its own bathroom. Located in the Ministry Center, the Nursery is only seconds away from the church. Many parents return to the Nursery to pick up their children just prior to the distribution of Communion so that their children can join them for Communion or a blessing.
Holy Communion is offered to even our youngest children from the moment of their baptism. Parents decide when their child is ready to receive the bread and wine, but we encourage allowing a child to receive as soon as they express an interest. A child who does not take Communion may receive a blessing from the priest.
Acolytes serve in crucial ways during the morning services. Girls and boys in third grade and older may train to become acolytes.
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