Children's Ministry
All ages are welcome at all our worship services
To welcome our youngest members, St. James' offers a Children's Sermon each week during the Sunday 10 a.m. service. and a child-friendly alternative called Children’s Chapel.
Following the Children's Sermon, those ages 4-10 are invited to Children's Chapel; ages 3 and under are welcome to attend with a guardian.
In Children’s Chapel, our younger worshippers experience worship at their pace and in their language through a story, prayer, and singing.
Beginning at 8:45am for Adult Forum and the 10 a.m. service, we also welcome children ages 0-3 to the Nursery in the Rittenhouse Building, adjacent to the Parish Hall.
To learn more, contact Rev. Marybeth Sanders-Wilson
Sunday Children's Formation
Fall 2024
Children's Formation happens at 10:00am on Sundays on the 3rd floor of the Janney House. Please use the Preschool stairwell across from the Kitty Boyd Room.
We’re excited to offer Whirl Sunday school for all kids PreK to fifth grade. Each week we’ll explore a new Bible story while the Whirl kids help us learn from their adventures. We’re excited to explore the Old and New Testaments with kids using Whirl Sunday school!
Kids will learn a new Bible story each week through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in church each week.
Our Children's Ministry Team
WELCOME OUR NEW CHILDREN’S MINISTRY STAFF MEMBERS
We are excited to announce that we have recently added three new staff members to our St. James’ Family. Please welcome Daisy Cruz, Valerie Evans, and Jessica Eastridge
Daisy and Valerie work in the nursery with our younger children on Sunday mornings. Jess will be responsible for teaching our older children during children’s formation from 9 – 9:45 a.m. and will serve as the lead teacher in children’s chapel during the 10 a.m. service. You can read more about each of them below. Please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome Daisy, Valerie, and Jess to our church family. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to seeing all the wonderful contributions they will make in the days to come.
We are also extremely grateful to all of our wonderful children’s chapel volunteers and their faithful presence with our children week after week. We could not do what we do without you!
Jessica Eastridge, Children’s Formation Minister
Jess comes to St. James’ with over a decade of teaching experience in a variety of contexts. Jessica holds a Master of Music in Education from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of South Carolina. She has worked with students of all ages (from birth to over 90 years old)! Jess is looking forward to working with the children and families of St. James!
Daisy Cruz, Childcare Worker
Daisy loves spending time with children, watching them learn and play, and building a connection with them. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, seeing new places, and seeking exciting new adventures with her four-year-old son. Daisy has enjoyed her short time at St. James’ and looks forward to meeting the St. James’ parishioners and their children.
Valerie Evans, Childcare Worker
Valerie grew up at St. James’, where she attended Sunday school, went through confirmation, attended youth group, and worked in the toddler room for Sunday school. Valerie worked in the social work field for 4 years until welcoming her daughter. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to a 20-month-old. When Valerie is not in the nursery, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, playing with her daughter, and watching cooking shows.