Programs for Younger Children

 

Children of all ages and families of all kinds are welcome at St. Thomas.

 

Our programs for younger children are designed to introduce children to the love of Christ through stories, worship, music, and community. Recognizing that families are often pulled in many different directions, our program is designed to be flexible to meet the needs of busy families.

 

As part of our commitment to serving children and families, St. Thomas operates the Early Learning Center, a high-quality affordable preschool with a play-based academic program for children from ages 2  to 5.

 

Welcome Table Family Service: We know that attending church every week is no longer practical for some. With that in mind, we created a once-a-month event designed specifically for children of all ages, teens, and families.

 

Welcome Table is a contemporary service on Sunday afternoons from 4-6 PM. Families gather in our parish hall for worship, formation for people of all ages, and a communal dinner. Everyone gets the opportunity to explore God’s presence in their lives, hear Bible stories, make friends, and ask questions about their faith.

 

We love to meet new families! Check here to find out when the next Welcome Table Family Service will take place.

 

Children’s Chapel: We invite new families to join us Sunday mornings for our 10 AM worship in the church or on Zoom. Children attending in-person worship will start in the sanctuary with their families. They leave for Children’s Chapel shortly after the service begins and return during the exchange of the peace.  

 

In Children’s Chapel, children participate in Godly Play, a creative and imaginative approach to Christian education. This Montessori-based curriculum uses storytelling, hands-on tools, activities, and other methods to encourage children’s God-given imaginations and teach them about the life of Christ. They learn, have fun, and make new friends. 

 

Childcare During the Church Service: Held during our 10 AM service, the St. Thomas cribbery welcomes children three and under while their parents attend church. Children have the opportunity to play and rest as needed under the supervision of our childcare professional, Ms. Nicole Warga, who has worked at St. Thomas for nearly 20 years.

 

For more information about our children’s programs, contact Rev. Will Drosos at will.drosos@stthomasmcleanva.org.

 

Other Activities for Children and Families: Throughout the year, children and families have the opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful activities at St. Thomas:

• Family Game Nights
• Annual Youth-Led Worship Service
• Summer Barbecues at St. Thomas
• Video Game Tournaments
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Sundae Sunday
• Annual Parish Retreat to ShrineMont
• Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkin sales to raise money for charity
• Monster Mash/Trunk or Treat – Halloween fun
• Christmas Pageant
• Service opportunities – Helping those less fortunate in our community

Baptism:

If you have a family member interested in Baptism, let us know! We routinely do baptisms throughout the year. Please contact Rev. Will Drosos at will.drosos@stthomasmcleanva.org.

 

The Episcopal Church requires background checks and Praesidium Academy’s Safe Church, Safe Communities training for all staff and volunteers who work with children.