Children's Chapel

Children's Chapel takes place during the Service of the Word (everything up until The Peace) of the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services September through June. The order of service for Children's Chapel is directly from the Book of Common Prayer, where children participate as leaders in all aspects of the service.  Time is taken to answer questions throughout the service. Particular care is given during the Prayers of the People to hear the concerns offered up by the children.

Children may sign up before the service on the white board on the chapel door for ministries that day (such as acolyte, presider, prayer leader, gospeller, and usher). Children then go into the big church (the Nave) with their families and process to the chapel during the opening hymn, following the crucifer. At 9:00 a.m., the children younger than first grade go downstairs for play, then come up to the chapel for worship. The first through fifth graders go directly into the chapel for their service. At 11:15 a.m. all children come into the chapel for the service. Children too young to participate in chapel are most welcome in the Nursery. At both services children join their families for the Eucharist.

The hope of Children's Chapel is to joyfully worship God, to encourage active participation by all of our young worshipers, to teach about the Love of Jesus and about our Liturgy, and to help our children get to know each other and their church community. The clergy, seminarians, other staff, and lay persons give age-appropriate homilies. Parishioners accompany on the keyboard and other musicians (aspiring and accomplished) add to our "joyful noise." We have a corps of adult volunteers to guide our children during chapel.  Adults are welcome to join us, especially if they will lend a kind hand where needed.  If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact Mary Beth Emerson.