Children & Youth
Children
Children are welcome at St. Columba’s!
At St. Columba’s, we see and embrace all children as an active and essential part of our parish. Our children’s programs interweave worship, formation and service to help our young ones live out their baptismal covenant and teach them the tenets of the Christian faith, while allowing them to grow, thrive and actively participate in a Christian community.
Worship – Fussy babies, toddlers and tweens Welcome!
Children are welcome in all of our services. Our Wee Worship service is planned with pre-school children and their families in mind, however, feel free to attend any service no matter the age of your child(ren). Wee Worship features simple songs, prayers, story and Holy Communion. Children are invited to participate in worship ministries alongside adults at all services. They may:
- Serve as acolytes, readers or ushers
- Sing in a choir or ring handbells
Children’s Sunday School
Columba Crew – A Sunday School Adventure
Children in preK3 to 3rd grades meet on Sundays at 10:15am for fun, fellowship and learning. Kids will experience what it means to become a Christian through Bible stories, activities and relationships with each other and their leaders.
Columba Crew – 4th grade
In September of a child’s 4th grade year, St. Columba’s presents them with their own Bible. In Sunday School this year, kids will delve more deeply into the story of the Bible using a curriculum called Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe.
Quest – The Adventure Continues
Kids in 5th and 6th grades meet on Sundays at 10:15am for learning and fellowship that is not quite youth group, but is definitely not little kids Sunday School. The group has 4 adult leaders who will be on this adventure all year with them. In 2024-25 they will explore what it means to be a prayer book people – learning about the Book of Common Prayer, different ways to pray and the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. In May and June they will plan, and then lead, the 9am worship service. Every other year they explore the Bible in depth. They will play, craft, do service and begin to tackle some of their big questions about Christianity and faith!
Moms!
All mothers are welcome to join our mothers’ group. Contact Courtney Hundley to join our list and get announcements of events. We also share questions, answers and ideas as we mother our children on our faith journey.
Dads!
St. Columba’s Fathers’ Group offers men with children at home and recent empty-nesters a community where we learn how to use God’s tools to build and develop our lives as fathers and leaders of young people. For details, please contact: Charles Molluzzo
Wee Worship
9:15am Wee Worship Wee Worship is geared towards our youngest members. The service is well suited for pre-school age children and their families. Songs are easy to jump into, movement is welcome, and kids gather around the altar! Wee Worship Bulletin
Youth
At St. C’s, we want our high schoolers to feel known and valued for who they are, no matter what. Our hope is that when kids leave the St. C’s youth program, they know that God loves them, and the church needs them. To that end, we’re focused on providing a blend of opportunities for kids in each aspect of the church’s life: learning, fellowship, worship leadership, and service to neighbor.
We have two primary youth programs for teens. Our middle schoolers (6th-8th grade) meet each week during the school year for BaseCamp and our high schoolers (9th-12th grade) meet for Summit. Both groups meet from 10:15am – 11:05am at the church (middle schoolers in room 220, high schoolers in room 203 – both on the second floor). Throughout the year, we also host a variety of special events and activities, including the Rite 13 ceremony, youth pilgrimages, and an annual service trip to West Virginia.
BaseCamp and Summit are open to all youth, including those who are new to St. C’s or church in general. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. We would love to meet you!
Youth Events
Youth and Family Newsletter
To learn more or to begin receiving our weekly communications about upcoming opportunities and events, reach out to Katie McGervey at kmcgervey@columba.org.