Faith Formation
At St. Stephen's, faith formation is a lifelong journey that begins in childhood and continues through every stage of life. We offer vibrant and engaging programs for children, youth, and adults to deepen their relationship with God and one another. From our welcoming Nursery for infants to 4-year-olds to our dynamic Youth Group, and enriching adult education opportunities, there's a place for everyone to grow in faith.
Nursery (Infant to Age 4)
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Children's Formation
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Ages 5-9
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Ages 10-12
Kid Zone​
For Teens (Grades 6 to 12)
Youth Group meets on Wednesdays in the Log Cabin from 6:30 - 8 PM.
Adult Lifelong Learning meets on Sundays at 9:00 AM in McArthur Hall beginning again in October.
Youth Formation meets on Sundays at 9:15 AM in the Log Cabins.
Children's Ministry
The children of St. Stephen’s will develop a faith-filled life through Christian education, serving the community, and exploring God’s love.
Core Values
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Learn: Understand who we are as we follow Jesus into loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with God, with each other, and the Earth.
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Love: Love one another as Christ loves us.
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Respect: Joyfully serve God and each other with grace and truthfulness.
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Safe: Create an inclusive environment where children and youth participate and learn without judgment, guided by leaders who have completed Safeguarding God's Children.
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St. Stephen's offers several children's and family programs. Children are always welcome to join in anytime during the year, and families are asked to register online. This is so we have all the information and contact numbers to best care for your child.
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The Children's Ministry is overseen by the Children’s Minister, Elisa Webster. The ministry serves as a place of prayer for children, where they hear foundational Bible stories, and learn simple Bible truth statements.
Nursery (Infant - Age 4)
The Nursery, for infants to 4 years old, is located in the Children’s Ministry building to the right of the church. Enter through the ramp and double doors, and you'll find the colorful Nursery room on your left. Convenient storage for diaper bags and other items is available. The Nursery is open on Sundays from 7:50 AM to Noon.
Our experienced, trained, and Safeguard-certified Nursery teachers cherish the sound of God’s children and provide excellent care while you attend worship and adult Bible classes.
Christian formation begins in early childhood, and we are committed to offering the best care for our youngest members.
Children's Formation
This is a reflective-based program of religious formation that helps a child develop a relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way.
This age group follows the “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” curriculum and meets from 9:30 to 10:15 AM during the school calendar year, with a break during the summer months.
It will take place in the Log Cabin and follow the Lectionary and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
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(Ages 5 - 9)
Our curriculum comes from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by Sofia Cavalletti. It is a reflective-based program of religious formation that helps a child to further develop the child's relationship with God in a developmentally appropriate way. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Liturgy, and the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori.
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(Ages 10 - 12)
The curriculum is targeted to this unique age group to help them live their relationship with God, thereby enabling these children to receive and respond to God’s unconditional and personal love.
At this age, our older children begin to personalize and own their faith. In this critical window of instability and change, leaders and parents must affirm our older children's journeys as they enter the faith community.
Each session includes a story, a reading from the Word, a reflection on the Word, a presentation of materials, a prayerful response, and a clean-up.
Kid Zone
Kid Zone will meet from 10:20 to 11:15 AM in the Children’s Ministry Building. It is for children ages 5 years to 12 years of age.
Kids Zone will leave from the church, and go to the Children’s Ministry building after the children’s prayer. Children will do crafts and stories related to the Lectionary.
The programs are led by trained and certified volunteer teachers. Volunteers are always welcome. Teachers are required to be Safe Guarding certified.
Youth Group
In grades 6-12, older children begin to personalize and ‘own’ their faith in light of their growing life experience and personal awakening.
Meeting from 6:30-8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings, the Youth Group program supports their growing faith so these students will continue to pursue an authentic faith experience and discover a personal mission.
All meetings start with a dinner meal!
This age group will also meet seasonally on Sunday mornings, concurrent with each session of Adult Lifelong Learning, at 9:15 AM on Sundays.
For more information, contact our Youth Minister, Tim Swan.