Children's Chapel is a worship services geared for children, ages four to eight, that is held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

During the opening hymn the children process from the nave to the Children's Chapel, which is located upstairs in the Education Wing. Since the Word of the service is based on the liturgy of the day, the children receive an opportunity to hear the gospel at their level of understanding. Following worship the children have the opportunity to be creative through the medium of Art. The children join their families for Holy Communion at the Peace. Parents are always welcome.

Each Sunday the children in Children's Chapel take up an offering to God. They call this offering their "thanks givings." Toys, flowers, coins, money and drawings are offered up to God and carried by a designated child to the main altar during worship. All toys are returned.

Childcare for Infants and Toddlers

St. James is committed to providing quality childcare for infants and toddlers. These little ones are our future and they are a vital part of our community. We want them to feel safe and welcome at St. James. Babies and toddlers are welcome in the nursery at any point during the service. Parents are welcome to get their children from the nursery and bring them to communion.

The Nursery provides childcare for all children ages birth through three years. Our nursery is open Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:30 a.m -12:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m -6:30 p.m. The staff is trained in CPR and Episcopal child Safety Regulations; they lead arts and crafts projects and teach bible lessons that accompany worship on Sunday mornings. We consider it a joy and ministry to care for your beautiful children and to teach them about God.

Sunday School

Sunday School for all ages is held between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services at 10:15 a.m.

Fiona with Bishop Wolfe

"God" by Max Moorehead

Christmas Pageant 2009

Catachesis of the Good Shepherd (Children 3 through Kindergarten)

Teaching our children is an important part of our ministry at St. James. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 is the curriculum we use for our young members; ages 3 through kindergarten. This approach to the religious formation of children is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," (upstars) a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use. We work hard to help the child enjoy a relationship with God, a relationship of deep peace, a real relationship of being in love. There is a profound respect for the child and the child’s desire to come closer to God.

Catachesis of the Covenant Class (Grades 4-5)

This year we started a new curriculum in our Catechesis of the Covenant Class.  We spent several weeks going over stories of the Old Testament.  The name of our class reflects God's Covenant with the people of Israel and ultimately our own covenant.  We have recently started a section on the life of Jesus. 

This class is composed of 4th and 5th graders.  While the number of children in the class is small we are an enthusiastic group.  Our class is generally made up of a prayer or lesson, Bible study, and a craft of some sort. The story we are studying is applied to today's events when possible.  For example, this last week we discussed the writers of the four gospels - Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.  While the first three had a more personal perspective view of Christ and his life John was written several decades after Christ's death.  As a result of this his perspective was more historical.  World War II was used as an example of a personal versus historical event.  For the class WWII is an historical event that occurred long before they were born.  For their grandparents, however, WWII was a personal event.  Hopefully this helps them to understand how events in the Bible are really not much different than events today.

In past years the Episcopal Church, its history, and practices have been incorporated into the class.  An understanding of our Church is important -- It leads to a better understanding of who we are, why we do what we do, and where we come from. For more information, contact Vicky Petty. 

Opportunities for Children to Serve During Worship

The ministry of Acolyte is one of service to God at the Altar on Sunday mornings, holidays, and special occasions. Acolytes grow spiritually as they learn the hows and whys of liturgy and our traditions. They learn dedication and discipline along with leadership skills and being a part of a team as they work with others. Acolytes perform a variety of duties including carrying one of the crosses in procession (Crucifer), carrying the torches, or actively assisting the clergy at the altar by being 1st or 2nd server. Acolytes are trained by the Acolyte Coordinator and progress through learning the different post ions at their own pace. The Acolyte Corps at St. James is made up of both youth and adults. To be an acolyte you must be going into 4th grade or older. Acolytes serve at either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday mornings, and serve one or two times a month. Practice or trainings are held every six weeks. Contact Teresa Rogers for more information.

St. James Church offers a beautiful setting for music making and is dedicated to music education. We strive for excellence in church music. We have a vibrant church community. Music rehearsals are productive and fun. The St. James Choristers are a wonderful addition to the 9:00 a.m., Sunday service. Choristers are: The Novice Choristers - 2nd and 3rd grade; and, The Choristers - 4th grade and older. For more information, contact David Cason at (316) 683-5686.

Vacation Bible School

After many years, Vacation Bible School (VBS) returns in 2009. For ages, four years through 5th grade, this year's theme was "A Trip to Rome." For more information, visit the VBS page.