Worship with 
Children

Children’s Formation occurs weekly throughout the school year.

  • Sunday School

    10:00 a.m. September and October
    9:00 a.m. November through May

    Classes are available for Pre-k through seventh grade. At Bethesda-by-the-Sea, children learn about and nurture their relationship with a loving God. They build relationships with their church community. They learn the main stories of the Bible and the worship service through engaging and creative lessons.

    Children join their families at The Peace to receive communion together.

  • Children’s Chapel

    Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
    August – May
    Sunday School Hallway

    Children of families who attend the 11:00 a.m. service may attend a Children’s Chapel. The Children’s Chapel allows children ages 4 – 10 years old to take part in a worship service designed specifically for them. They learn about God’s love through prayers, songs, and a bible lesson. Children join their families at The Peace, so families may receive communion together.

  • Nursery Care

    Sundays
    8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

    Nursery care is available for children 3 years and younger during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services as well as the Adult Forum time. Our loving and experienced staff members welcome children to grow and build social connections as they explore and play, color, sing, and listen to stories.

  • Children's Story Time

    Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
    September - May
    Library

    Nurture faith and friendship as you and your child enjoy engaging stories followed by time connecting with other families in the playground or investigating the beautiful Koi pond.

  • Summer Sundays

    Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
    May - August
    Sunday School Hallway

    Join us for “Summer Sundays:” a relaxed morning of stories and activities about God’s love that help us grow closer to God and each other. Summer Sundays run from May through August and are open to children 4 years and older from 9:30-11:30 (during the 10:00 a.m. service) in the Sunday School hallway.

  • Vacation Bible School

    June

    We have a week of formation and fun in Vacation Bible School (VBS) during the summer. This themed “camp” experience is filled with fun, learning, and worship as children are again reminded that they are a beloved child of God.

Questions? Email our Sunday School Director, Deb Strainge

Attending Church with Young Children

While Bethesda-by-the-Sea offers free nursery care and vibrant Sunday School programs, children are always welcome to worship in church. Children are an important part of the congregation, and their presence is valued in worship. Children in Sunday School classes join their families at the Peace and parents are encouraged to pick up their children from the nursery to receive Communion together. 

Children already know God. What they need from us is the structure and the language. To that end, we offer Worship Bags for children attending the full service. This allows children to be engaged in an age-appropriate way while still participating in the service. There is wonderful literacy development by following along in the worship bulletin and hymnal! Children learn so much by doing; helping them understand why we sit, stand, sing, and kneel throughout the service gives them greater understanding of these rituals. By taking part in worship, children learn the prayers and hymns “by heart,” which is very different than simply memorizing them. 

In the Episcopal Church, once we are Baptized, we are full members of the Body of Christ. Baptism is our invitation to receive Communion. That said, we recognize that from a practical standpoint, many parents prefer that their children receive some instruction on the significance of Communion before they receive. This instruction takes place at various points throughout the Sunday School curriculum.

Whether children attend Sunday School or the Worship service itself, they know they are a loved and valued member of Bethesda-by-the-Sea. They know this is their church. They know they belong to Christ and to this community.

Bringing children to church may not always be easy, but please remember:

“God put the wiggle in. God is not surprised when the wiggle comes out.” 

Tips for Parents

  • Arrive in time to find a comfortable place for your family.

  • Enjoy the Worship Bags or bring quiet toys or books for younger children.     

  • Allow them to be active within limits, as long as the activity is not distracting to others. Parents may want to walk in the back of the church or in the Narthex (entryway) if they need a break. 

  • Remember the literacy and music development that comes with following along in the bulletin and the hymnal. 

  • Use the quiet time in the church as a special time for your family that may not be possible in today’s busy outside world.