St. Thomas Kids
We want to partner with parents and families in our church as we raise children to know and love the Lord. We do this through our offerings on sunday Mornings, special seasonal events, and by providing resources to use throughout the week in your home.
SUNDAY MORNINGs
We are delighted to use God’s Big Story (GBS) for the teaching and catechesis of our children on Sunday mornings. GBS invites children to enter into the narrative of God's abounding faithfulness and love for all of his beloved children. Our aim is that children might hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and experience the fullness of new life in Christ as part of His body, the church. To learn more check out God’s Big Story.
St. Thomas Kids meets down the hallway from our sanctuary space in the Oconee River Rooms of the Foundry Building. We serve children from infants through 5th grade during our 10am service. Elementary aged children (PreK - 5th Grade) join the service for communion and can be picked up in the Hallway after The Peace. Parents will need to show their printed security tag when picking up any child in our care.
communication and Event registration
Monthly Newsletter
View and download the current St. Thomas Kids Newsletter to see announcements, memory verses, lessons, and links to parent resources.
Events and Registrations
We offer seasonal gatherings for St. Thomas Kids and their families outside of Sunday morning. Save the dates and check back for registration info!
4th and 5th Grade Fall Book Club - 11/24 6pm-8pm - This fall we are offering a special time, once a month, for 4th and 5th graders at St. Thomas to come together for fellowship! We will enjoy dinner together, discuss our month's book, and then finish the evening with related crafts, activities, and evening prayer.
Children’s Retreat - 11/16 10am-1pm - PreK (4 years as of 8/1/2024) through 5th grade students are invited to join Ms. Holly and Ms. Dana for a morning of fellowship and fun at the Parish House! Our morning together will include special scripture presentations, singing, and activities related to the upcoming season of Advent. We will serve a simple lunch and eat together at noon. We hope children will leave refreshed and peaceful after spending time with our Good Shepherd and each other!
Advent Wreath Making Party - 11/30 10am-1pm Open House
Volunteering
We couldn’t care for our children without the help of our parish family! Volunteers must be members in good standing, have the ability to pass a background check, complete online sexual abuse awareness training through Ministry Safe, and participate in a yearly training specific to serving in St. Thomas Kids. Learn more here: Volunteer FAQs
Weekly Resourcces
A great way to stay connected is by joining our St. Thomas Kids group on Facebook or following us on Instagram. Reminders about upcoming events, pictures, and weekly parent resources are shared within these closed groups.
Family Worship
While Children are ALWAYS welcome in worship at St. Thomas, there are certain Sundays when we intentionally suspend our Sunday morning programming and invite children to worship alongside their families. Our hope is that by experiencing worship alongside their parents or caregivers, children will grow in their understanding of what it means to gather as the body of Christ and worship Him.
We currently have a rhythm of Family Worship on the first Sunday of the month. We encourage you to bring your children to worship on these Sundays and teach them! Whisper explanations and instructions. There will be materials and books available for Family Worship Sundays but it's always a good idea to bring a few things that will help your child stay engaged and content.
Childcare available for children 1st grade and under. We will welcome your children at any point during the service!
Our Family Ministry is led by Fr. Bill Stanford, our Associate Rector.
Holly Adkinson serves as Director of St. Thomas Kids and Dana Finocchio serves as Associate Director.
Contact Information:
Fr. Bill Stanford - bill@stacathens.org
Holly Adkinson - holly@stacathens.org
Dana Finocchio - dana@stacathens.org