A group of children and adults sit on the floor in a circle inside a church, engaged in an activity led by a person in religious attire. The church pews are occupied by additional attendees observing the scene.

Children & Youth

Kids, Youth & Families

Where Children are Loved & their Journeys with God are Nurtured

We hold deep respect for children, childhood spirituality and the unique, real ways children innately know God and experience God’s presence within themselves and world. As we gather with and create sacred space for the children at St. Paul’s, we want to offer an environment for children to know Jesus and the way of life he calls us to. And while we do that, it is our hope that each child would sense they are deeply loved, deeply good and can fully participate in God’s good work in the world, just as they are.

We would love to welcome your child to be part of all that we are doing!

Five people standing on a sandy beach with a lake and cloudy sky in the background. They are wearing jackets and holding items, possibly for a beach cleanup activity. The group appears to be friends, and they are smiling while facing the camera.
St. Paul’s Youth Participate in a Beach Clean Up at Retreat in October 2023

Learning for Children: Godly Play

Children in Kindergarten through 6th grade have the opportunity to leave the 10 am service and participate in Godly Play, or Children’s Church. Godly Play is a Montessori-based storytelling curriculum that provides opportunity to explore the mystery of God’s presence through story, wondering, listening to what God is saying and making creative, authentic responses to God rather than prescribed activities.

Every other week a core story of scripture is shared followed by a time of reflecting or wondering that allows for a child’s own questions, experiences, observations and understandings of God to emerge. In the opposite weeks, they have time and space to respond to the stories, wonderings within them and God’s voice through a host of art supplies, Legos, books, time with wooden story figurines and each other. Every week we share a simple snack, check in with each other and have time to be blessed before we join the rest of the church again.

Children’s Church meets on most Sundays at 10am during the school year in classrooms on the floor above the sanctuary. We have a room for K-3 and one for 3-6, trusting 3rd graders to self-select which room they would like to be in. Each room has two adults who are Safe Church trained to ensure the environment is secure for kids.

Middle School Youth Group

Middle School youth meet twice a month on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm. A meal is served for the whole family at 6 pm. Middle School youth group is a space for learning and socializing. Students may join this group when they feel ready, which is typically in 5th or 6th grade. In this group, students begin working with adult Bibles, engaging with some of the paradoxes in scripture, and learning prayer practices. Students also have the opportunity to participate in service projects and form friendships.

Confirmation & High School Group

Students in high school are invited to participate in the Confirmation Class. Confirmation is a time to engage the Christian faith as a young adult, forming one’s own commitment or understanding of the faith. Confirmation is a two year process that involves bi-weekly classes, a mentor, worship attendance, service projects, and exploration of other faiths. Confirmation is also a time to ask questions, deepen friendships with peers, and develop a web of intergenerational relationships within the church. At the end of the class, students may choose to be confirmed by the bishop at a special service.

High school students who have already been confirmed are invited to participate as mentors in other groups, work in the nursery, or participate in adult small groups.

Ministries for Children & Youth

Three young people standing in a hallway, each wearing red robes with white overgarments and silver cross necklaces. They are smiling, with the person in the center having their arms around the shoulders of the other two. A wooden door labeled

Acolytes

Acolytes serve at the altar on Sunday mornings and support the worship ministries of the church. They carry the cross and processional candles, assist in setting the Eucharistic table, and support baptism. About 3/4 of all the youth at St. Paul’s serve in this vibrant ministry. Acolytes celebrate at the end of the year with a party.

Other Worship Ministries

When a child decides that it is time to remain in “grown up church”, they may wish to join one of the worship ministries. Children and teens who are proficient in reading may read scripture. Teens may join the choir or participate in pick-up music ensembles.

Kids’ Coffee Hour

Once a month we have a Kids’ Coffee Hour in the bottom floor kids’ room following the church service. There are often songs sung, games played and treats eaten. It’s a time for the kids to grow in their own friendships with each other, as the adults do with their coffees in the next room. Check the bulletin for Kids’ Coffee Hour dates.

Prayer Partners & Card Writing

Young children at St. Paul’s have a tradition of being matched with a prayer partner, an elder in the congregation. The elder and child pray for each other and get to know each other over time. These partnerships have been influential in the lives of these children long-term. Young children often also make gifts for the parish’s homebound elders.

Retreats & Camps for Youth

A group of people stands outdoors in a forested area during fall. They are holding black trash bags, suggesting they are participating in a cleanup activity. The group consists of adults and children dressed in casual, warm clothing.

St. Paul’s is a part of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, a statewide diocese of 93 faith communities. Each year, the diocese hosts weekend retreats for middle school and high school youth, and summer camps for youth and families. St. Paul’s youth are encouraged to participate.

Diocesan Youth Event

DYE is a retreat for high schoolers that is eld twice a year: in the fall (over MEA weekend) and in the Spring (moves yearly). This retreat has a learning theme and invites students to play together, explore scripture, and learn about discipleship. Students help plan the event yearly. Registration and exact details are available on episcopalmn.org.

PRE-YE is a retreat for middle schoolers held once a year that introduces Episcopal youth to the retreat experience. Registration and exact details are available on episcopalmn.org. It is held in mid-February.

Diocesan Camps

Two summer camps are offered by the diocese during the year. Youth Camp takes place in mid-June and is a sleep-away camp for 6th – 12th grades. Students participate in music, art, outdoor activities, bible study, and worship, but the friendships formed are typically what our students say they remember the most. Family Camp is offered for families to attend together and is open for families with kids of any ages. Family Camp is typically in Late July or early August. Registration and exact details are available on episcopalmn.org.

Registering Children for Classes

Formal registration is not required to participate in St. Paul’s day programming. However, it does help us plan and give you details about upcoming classes. Reach out to Sophie Grey Spehar, our Coordinator for Children & Youth Ministry, to learn how to join a class.

Contact Sophie