Saint Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church

Children are welcome at all liturgies at Saint Gregory’s. Worship is one of the most important things that our community does. Children are an important part of the community, so we need them to be part of the liturgy.

We encourage children to listen for the church bell; when it rings that means that worship is starting and everyone should gather in the rotunda. After communion, when the community shouts “Thanks be to God!” children may get some snacks and go play!

We encourage parents to have explicit and ongoing conversations with their children about the family’s (and this community’s) values and expectations when it comes to worship. We want parents to reach out for support. It is no small task for parents to help their children move towards a deeper engagement in worship while trying to engage in worship themselves! But as a community—including parents, non-parents, clergy, lay-leaders, teachers, counselors, elders and young adults—we have the resources we need to support one another! Ask for the support you need. We all share responsibility for the well-being and growth of children in our community. We share basic responsibilities—like helping children be safe (i.e. we firmly remind children that they can’t be outside without an adult), and respectful (i.e. we gently remind children to be quiet at appropriate times during worship). We also share profound responsibilities--like helping children encounter the Holy through participation in worship!

When young children need a place to be other than in liturgy, we offer a nursery every Sunday from 8:30 - 12:30.