Saint Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church

St. Gregory’s makes room for children to be a part of church in many ways. Some children are interested in attending the entire service, and enjoy participating as deacons, Scripture readers, and chalice bearers. Other children attend our excellent Sunday School classes, which are offered for most ages, and then join the rest of the congregation for communion. All children are invited to participate in the food pantry at St. Gregory’s, and other service opportunities; all children are welcome to be part of the Easter children’s choir and the Christmas pageants.

Children are welcome at all liturgies at St. Gregory’s.  Each liturgy has a different character (see our Liturgies section for more information) but there is no service that is “off limits” to babies or children. For children who would like to spend the liturgy with storybooks or crayons, there is a “soft spot” in the church complete with pillows, quilts, and carpets.

Our excellent, trained Sunday School teachers are members of the congregation, parents and non-parents, who make a nine-month commitment to teach in teams. They work with clergy, skilled teachers and Sunday School leaders to develop consistent, innovative, age-appropriate curricula and programs.

Babies and Toddlers are cared for in the nursery, where they can play with toys, color and listen to music.

Children in pre-school through second grade learn to sing together, listen to and talk about Bible stories, and make simple crafts.

The Chapel Kids are third through fifth graders.  They set up an altar each Sunday, light candles, read Scripture and talk about what’s happening in their lives.

The Quest/One group are in sixth through eighth grade.  The Q1s sing, pray, and reflect together on their faith; they prepare for the “Quest,” a ritual of passage.

The Quest/Two group have completed the first phase of the Quest.  The Q2s gather for prayer, Bible study, and conversation about their experiences and the place of faith in their lives.