Saint Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church

Children and youth are a central part of the life of St. Gregory’s.

Our life as a vibrant intergenerational community is rooted in our Sunday liturgies, where all ages gather together for worship at 8:30 and 10:45.  Children are not only welcome in worship, they are a vital part of our worshipping community! Children and parents are encouraged to move around, as necessary, to be comfortable in worship.  There are a variety of books and activities available for younger children to enjoy during worship.  Older children and youth are encouraged to share in the leadership of our services as as readers, chalice-bearers, deacons, drummers, and more. 

Babies and toddlers are important members of our worshiping community, too.  However, should little ones (or their parents) need a break, we offer nursery care from 8:30 to 12:30 every Sunday. Our nursery offers a beautiful, peaceful, professionally-staffed space for our youngest members to rest and play. 

Every Sunday during the school year, we offer groups and classes at 9:30 AM where people of all ages grow in friendship with God and one another. 

Nursery Family Group (Ages 0-3 with Parents/Caregivers) -meets the 1st Sunday of every month in the large classroom in the upstairs administrative building. We begin in a large circle to share songs and stories then caregivers move into the adjacent room for a time of fellowship, discussion, and encouragement. Children are welcome to remain with caregivers during the discussion time, or to enjoy more stories, art, and play with their upper elementary aged “Church Buddies”, under the supervision of our professional nursery care provider and our children’s ministry intern. 

Godly Play (Pre-K-Grade 2)-meets in our Godly Play sanctuary, in the downstairs administrative building.  Godly Play, grounded in the Montessori tradition, is a phenomenal program for the spiritual formation of children.  Each session includes the sharing of a sacred story, a time of “wondering” together, an art response time, prayer, and a shared “feast” of fruit and cheese. 

Chapel Kids (Grades 3-5)-meet in the Chapel off the rotunda (under the wolf).  In Godly Play, children are immersed in the core stories of the Church.  In Chapel Kids, children become apprentices in the work of the Church.  Through a rotating series of classes in art, cooking, bible drama, drumming, liturgical leadership, and more the Chapel Kids gain confidence as integral contributing members of the church community.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)-meets in the “Upper Room” above the kitchen. Through a variety of interactive projects, middle schoolers explore how their gifts and passions can be used to serve the church community and the larger world.  In addition to weekly Sunday morning meetings, youth grow together through participation in regular retreats, service projects, dinners, and other special youth events.

High School (Grades 9-12)-meets in the Fabian Room off the rotunda (under the tiger.) Through relaxed weekly conversations, high schoolers enjoy the support of their peers and adult mentors as they navigate the unique challenges of teen life.  In addition to weekly Sunday morning meetings, youth grow together through participation in regular retreats, service projects, dinners, and other special youth events.

Parents Group - meets the 3rd Sunday of each month.  Parents of children of all ages (from infancy through college) meet to reflect on the joys and challenges of parenting.  Parents may also enjoy participating in our Adult Forum, Godparenting group, Lectio Divina group, Bible Study, and more.