Programs for Older Children and Teens

 

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

 

We want to help children and teens manage the stresses of everyday life and grow in their relationship to God. We see our church as a place of refuge, healing, 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.

 

Welcome Table Family Service: We know that attending church every week is no longer practical for some even as they still feel Christ’s presence in their lives. 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.

 

New families are welcome!  Check here to find out when the next Welcome Table Family Service will take place.

 

Sunday Mornings: We invite new families to join us Sunday mornings for our 10 AM worship in the sanctuary or on Zoom. Children are welcome to start worship with their families in the sanctuary. Then, they process to Children’s Chapel shortly after the service begins. There, they receive fun and educational scripture-based instruction, returning to worship at the exchange of peace.

 

Older children and teens are often ready to move into a more mature relationship with Christ and begin to make decisions about their faith. St. Thomas believes that they are full members of our community in Christ and sees them as critical to the vitality of our church. We encourage them to get involved in the life of the church and make a positive impact on our worship.

 

We invite older children and teens to assist in worship, read scripture as lectors, usher, assist with Zoom worship, or sing in the choir. We know everyone can contribute, and we try to find a place for our young people that intersects with their passions.

 

Family Activities: We also have an annual parish retreat, summer barbecues, game nights, video game tournaments, trunk or treat, a Youth Sunday Service, and other fun and meaningful activities throughout the year.

 

Confirmation:  Our confirmation program is organized around our bishop’s visits St. Thomas (generally every other year). If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Will Drosos at will.drosos@stthomasmcleanva.org.

 

Outreach Opportunities: Mission and Outreach are very important ways for St. Thomas children and youth to share Christ’s love. We provide outreach opportunities throughout the year that help our youth to engage with the local community. These opportunities include:

• Packing backpacks with school supplies for local students in Second Story’s community program
• Helping at our yearly Pumpkin Patch, where we sell pumpkins for charity
• Collecting food, clothing, and personal items for Share (our local food and clothing pantry)
• Making Thanksgiving bags for Second Story in the Community families
• Making meals for the Hypothermia Homeless Shelter in December
• Making Valentine’s Day cards for people experiencing homelessness
• Preparing lunches for underserved children in Fairfax County

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