Your Kids Will Love It Here!
Our Goal
To teach your kids the good news and help them see Jesus as their greatest hope and love.
What We Value
- Gospel-Centered: We teach the Bible as one unified story that points to Jesus—He’s at the center of everything.
- Heart-Focused: We emphasize Jesus’s saving work, not just behavior. Kids learn to rest in Him, not strive to measure up.
- Creative & Fun: We use movement, music, games, and tech to help kids engage with the gospel in joyful, memorable ways.
- Safe & Secure: All volunteers complete Ministry Safe training and regular background checks.
- Family-Equipping: Parents are the primary disciplers. We support families with weekly updates and tools to live out the gospel together.
- Relational & Inclusive: Kids worship with the whole church and also enjoy age-appropriate environments designed just for them.
- Prayerful & Missional: We pray for kids to know Jesus deeply and encourage them to serve and use their gifts in the church now.
- Leader-Equipping: We invest in our volunteers with training and resources like The Gospel Project to help them grow in faith and effectiveness.
Children's Church
Children’s Church at St. James is for all children from Pre-K through fifth grade.
All Children meet at 11:00a on Sundays in Room 113 for a time of singing, prayer, of other activities. Afterwards the will divide into specific age groups for a learning session.
- Room 115 - Elementary
- Room 117 - Pre-K & K.
Following the 11:00 service, parents may pick up their children downstairs in Room 103.
EXCEPTION: On Communion Sundays, (usually the 1st Sunday of the month) children will attend worship with their parents in the Sanctuary at 11:00a.
NURSERY
Sunday Morning Nursery is for children under the age of two and is available from 8:45a until 12:30, encompassing the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services as well as the Sunday School hour at 10:00.
Your child will be cared for by trained volunteers. Please check in at the Nursery prior to the worship service.
Nursery
St. James Child Safety Policy
Who It Applies To:
- This policy is for all leaders, teachers, helpers, and caregivers (both paid and unpaid) in our Children & Youth Ministries. Everyone must sign this agreement before they start serving.
- All leaders, teachers, and caregivers must also complete a background check before serving. Occasional helpers will do this as needed.
Appropriate Conduct:
- There must always be two unrelated adults in the classroom. If a teacher is alone, the door must stay open.
- No one under 16 can care for or help with nursery or preschool children.
- Those under 18 can help with children over five if they are mature and responsible, but they must be supervised by an adult and approved by the Children’s Minister.
- Hugs, prayers, and changing diapers are okay, but physical affection should not be excessive or forced.
- Only those who have completed a background check can take children to the restroom or change diapers. The restroom door must be kept slightly open, and another adult should be nearby. Children aged 6-13 should go to the restroom as a group, with the teacher waiting in the hallway.
Prohibited Conduct:
- All forms of abuse are prohibited. This includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as exploitation and any behavior that misuses a trust relationship.
- Exploitation includes inappropriate comments, physical contact, or requests for social involvement after refusal.
- Sexual exploitation is any activity between a minor or protected adult and an adult for the adult's sexual stimulation. It is always considered forced, even if the protected person consents.
- No one convicted of abuse can serve in any Children or Youth ministries.
- Occasional helpers must certify they have not been convicted of such offenses.
Reporting Abuse:
- Anyone who learns of or suspects abuse must report it to the Children or Youth Minister, who will work with the church staff to report it to local authorities. The incident must also be reported to the Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Heads of SPR and Leadership Council.
- All information must be kept confidential, except as required by law.