Children and Youth: A Place for Everyone
At St. James the Less, children and youth are cherished members of our church family. We believe each child has a unique relationship with God, and we grow in faith together through worship, age-based programs, music, service, and special events.
Children are always welcome to remain with their parents or caregivers during worship rather than attend the Nursery or drop-in Sunday School. Children’s books and brightly colored Activity Bags are available in the Narthex for use during the service.
We want every child to feel comfortable and included.
Questions or Registration
To register your child or children for programs, or if you have questions, please contact Jane Evans, Director of Parish Life, Family Ministries, and Operations.
Children are always welcome to remain with their parents or caregivers during worship rather than attend the Nursery or drop-in Sunday School. Children’s books and brightly colored Activity Bags are available in the Narthex for use during the service.
We want every child to feel comfortable and included.
Questions or Registration
To register your child or children for programs, or if you have questions, please contact Jane Evans, Director of Parish Life, Family Ministries, and Operations.
Our Programs
Nursery Care (Under 5 years old)Our nursery welcomes children under age 5 every Sunday from 9:30–11:30 a.m., with care provided by Christy Sherman and Grace Sherman, childcare providers and educators who have completed Safe Church, Safe Communities training as required by the Diocese of Chicago.
Parents and caregivers may drop children off during the 10:00 a.m. service and Coffee Hour, or bring them into the sanctuary for Communion. In the nursery, our youngest children experience God’s love through play and caring relationships in a safe, nurturing environment. |
|
Sunday School (Ages 5–Grade 3)Children ages 5 through Grade 3 are invited to Sunday School during the 10:00 a.m. service. Older children are always welcome to join us.
Using a blend of Spark Activate Faith curriculum and custom lessons created by Jane Evans, Director of Parish Life, Family Ministries, and Operations, children explore Bible stories through storytelling, conversation, games, art, and hands-on activities. Children return to their families in time for Communion. |
|
Middles (Grades 4–6)Middles gives our older elementary children a space of their own to explore faith, ask questions, build friendships, and connect what they are learning with everyday life.
Meeting once a month during the 10:00 a.m. service, Middles is led by Junior Warden Maureen Burke. Gatherings include Bible stories, conversation, hands-on activities, and games. Children return to their families in time for Communion. Meeting Dates: October 11 • November 15 • December 13 • January 10 • February 14 • March 14 • April 11 • May 9 |
|
Special Events for Children and Youth
Alongside our weekly programs, St. James the Less hosts seasonal events that invite children, youth, and families to grow in faith, build friendships, and share joy together. From festive celebrations and creative activities to opportunities for leadership and service, these gatherings create traditions and memories that shape our parish life year after year.
September 13 – Let’s Fiesta Program Kick-off & Backpack Blessing
Celebrate the start of our program year! At the 10:00 a.m. service, students and educators of all ages are invited to bring backpacks for a blessing. After worship, enjoy a taco bar, kids’ activities, and time to reconnect with friends.
October 25 – Soul Mass Costume Parade
During the 10:00 a.m. service, children and youth are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a joyful parade, followed by a fun scavenger hunt.
November 22 – Advent Together: The Jesse Tree
Kids and families are invited to begin Advent with the Jesse Tree! Through Bible stories, ornaments, and creative activities, we’ll follow God’s story from the Garden of Eden to the birth of Jesus. More details to come!
December 24 – Christmas Pageant
On Christmas Eve, children and youth of all ages bring the Nativity story to life through acting, narration, and music. Costumes and direction are provided, with music led by Josh Langhoff. This beloved tradition is both sacred and joyful.
February 9 – Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Youth volunteers help prepare our annual pancake supper by flipping pancakes and leading kids’ activities. Supper begins at 5:00 p.m., followed at 6:15 p.m. by burying the Alleluias and burning palms in the Krogman Courtyard. Optional ashes are offered at the end.
March 26 – Children’s Stations of the Cross (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
On Good Friday, children ages 4+ are invited to an interactive, age-appropriate Stations of the Cross in the Parish Hall, led by Mother Megan and Jane Evans. The morning begins with pretzel-making with Mrs. Burke, then moves through the Stations, ending with warm pretzels shared together.
March 28 – Easter Egg Hunt
After the 10:00 a.m. Easter service, children are invited to a festive egg hunt on the church grounds. Bring a basket and join in celebrating new life together.
April 18 – Youth Sunday
Children and youth lead the entire 10:00 a.m. service—reading scripture, leading prayers, greeting, ushering, and sharing music. Youth Sunday is a joyful celebration of leadership and faith.
September 13 – Let’s Fiesta Program Kick-off & Backpack Blessing
Celebrate the start of our program year! At the 10:00 a.m. service, students and educators of all ages are invited to bring backpacks for a blessing. After worship, enjoy a taco bar, kids’ activities, and time to reconnect with friends.
October 25 – Soul Mass Costume Parade
During the 10:00 a.m. service, children and youth are invited to wear Halloween costumes for a joyful parade, followed by a fun scavenger hunt.
November 22 – Advent Together: The Jesse Tree
Kids and families are invited to begin Advent with the Jesse Tree! Through Bible stories, ornaments, and creative activities, we’ll follow God’s story from the Garden of Eden to the birth of Jesus. More details to come!
December 24 – Christmas Pageant
On Christmas Eve, children and youth of all ages bring the Nativity story to life through acting, narration, and music. Costumes and direction are provided, with music led by Josh Langhoff. This beloved tradition is both sacred and joyful.
February 9 – Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Youth volunteers help prepare our annual pancake supper by flipping pancakes and leading kids’ activities. Supper begins at 5:00 p.m., followed at 6:15 p.m. by burying the Alleluias and burning palms in the Krogman Courtyard. Optional ashes are offered at the end.
March 26 – Children’s Stations of the Cross (9:00–11:00 a.m.)
On Good Friday, children ages 4+ are invited to an interactive, age-appropriate Stations of the Cross in the Parish Hall, led by Mother Megan and Jane Evans. The morning begins with pretzel-making with Mrs. Burke, then moves through the Stations, ending with warm pretzels shared together.
March 28 – Easter Egg Hunt
After the 10:00 a.m. Easter service, children are invited to a festive egg hunt on the church grounds. Bring a basket and join in celebrating new life together.
April 18 – Youth Sunday
Children and youth lead the entire 10:00 a.m. service—reading scripture, leading prayers, greeting, ushering, and sharing music. Youth Sunday is a joyful celebration of leadership and faith.
|
If you’d like to learn more about our programming for children and youth, please contact Jane Evans, Director of Parish Life, Family Ministries, and Operations, at jane @stjamestheless.org
|
|
