St. Andrew’s Children’s Ministry

At St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, children are valued and cherished. Children and children’s ministry are an integral part of the life and worship of our parish. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) We therefore welcome and encourage our children to worship with us. We also explore a variety of ways to teach our children so that they are affirmed and engaged. We do this through Children’s Chapel, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and various activities throughout the year. We invite you to come and see how we serve the Lord by helping create Christian disciples of all God’s children at Saint Andrew’s.

Saint Andrew’s is also committed to the safety of each person, especially our children and youth. All volunteers and staff undergo background and reference checks, and attend a child abuse prevention workshop, “Safeguarding God’s People.” We nurture the children in the faith and do so with the utmost intention and care.

Children’s Chapel

Children’s Chapel takes place at 10:30 at St. Andrew’s, and is designed to integrate children into the full life of worship in the church. We are committed to gathering together as the Body, and children are part of this Body. Time in Children’s Chapel consists of age-appropriate worship, which includes songs, fun lessons, and application activities. At the Peace, they are escorted into the Church to participate in the Holy Eucharist with their families. During the school year, children’s chapel does not meet one Sunday out of the month, as we involve our children & youth in the Sunday service (usually the 3rd Sunday of the month September – May, but check your calendar for more info)! If your child or teen is interested in reading, being an usher, or a greeter on a youth Sunday, please contact Alicia Schmid at aschmid@saintandrewstampa.org

Children’s Chapel is primarily for children 3 to 12 years old, but we welcome older children to participate as well. Our primary goal is to integrate children into the full worship of the Body, and they are always encouraged to be with their parents in church at any age. We welcome any child of any age in Chapel, however, and will integrate him or her into our fellowship of worship.

Sunday School

PreK/K is in room 303, with teachers Jen Smith, Pam Curry, and Amy Ramirez. We are using the “First Look” curriculum by Orange as well as other curriculum lessons. All children ages 3 through kindergarten are welcome.

The Elementary class meets in room 305, with teachers Donreece Brown and Fran Kerr, welcoming children in grades 1 through 5. We are also using the Bible in Life curriculum, as well as “252 Basics” by Orange.

Youth meets in room 304 with teachers Jim Morgan, Brad Hall, Alicia Schmid, and other guest speakers (all safeguarded and background checked for the security and safety of all).  Currently, we are using the Journey to Adulthood Curriculum, as well as engaging and fun lessons we create as a team of youth leaders.

Nursery Care is available for children who are under 3 years of age anytime during the 10:30 worship service (5 & under during services) and Sunday School. The nursery opens at 9am. Our nursery staff are certified and committed to caring for all children who attend Saint Andrew’s. Please note that children are always welcome to be with their parents during services, but nursery care is available.

St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

An active youth program for grades 6-12 is available at St. Andrew’s. Activities include Christian education, spiritual growth, community building, and games and food. Bible studies, special trips, fund raisers and outreach projects take place throughout the year.

Youth Sundays: Every 3rd Sunday during the School year, the youth assist in the worship at the 10:30am service. Duties include acolyting, ushering, and lay reading. Be prepared to be asked to assist!

Facebook and Email: We have a Facebook page which can be accessed by typing in “sa Andrews” on the search option and clicking “friend request”. Note: You must be a member of Facebook to access the page and receive notifications.

Open Door Policy: If you have any questions, concerns, or prayer requests, please email the youth group. We are here to serve and love with the gentleness of the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to see God’s kingdom advanced and the needs of the body of Christ met within the Saint Andrew’s Parish.

For more information regarding children’s or youth ministries, contact Alicia Schmid at aschmid@saintandrewstampa.org

For the most current events pertaining to our Youth or Children’s programs, please consult the announcements in our Sunday leaflet or our monthly Call.