Children, Youth & Families

We know that “family” has many definitions and no matter how you define yours, we want you to be a part of ours.
​We welcome you with joy, and hope you will be a part of our community for years to come.
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At St. James by-the-Sea we believe that children are an integral part of our community, not because of the adults they will someday be but because of the simple fact that right now, they are children and that is a blessing to our church,  our community and our world.  At each stage of development children are real and active members of our parish. They need developmentally appropriate spiritual support and the fearless love that any other member would hope for and expect.  Our philosophy is that children come into this world with an innate ability to connect with their Creator and we strive to provide them with the spaces and materials they need to develop that ability. Through wonder, discovery, play, prayer and worship we allow the children to show us the way to a true relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We offer 4 unique Sunday programs that meet children and their families at each stage of their spiritual development needs.  

All Children & Youth Ministries participants please enter at the courtyard gate on Prospect Street.

Our nursery is staffed with capable and loving teachers hand selected for their knowledge of early child development.  The nursery is available for children 0 to 2 years of age starting at 8:45 am each Sunday. 

Our Shine Sunday School is for ages 3 to 10 years of age and meets most
Sundays at 9:00 am.

Our Spark Youth Group is for 5th through 7th grade and meets  Sundays at 9:00 am.

Our Ignite Youth Group is for 8th – 12th grade and meets Sundays at 9:00 am. 
See the Youth page HERE. 
Weekly and monthly programming are further supplemented by occasional special and engaging events, such as Topsy Turvey services, the youth-led service, Family Camp, and Vacation Bible School. Click "Special Events" above. We hope that you and your family will find the place and space that works for you.  

For more information on our programming for Children, Youth and Families please email:

Gabrielle Strickler, Director of Children’s Ministries
Leighton Jones, Assistant Director of Children's Ministries