Children, Youth & families

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Sunday morning worship remains the most important factor in the faith formation of young people. At St. Mark’s we emphasize the importance of families worshipping together and affirm the place of children in our worship space. It is also important for children to learn the foundational stories of our faith through Sunday School. St. Mark’s offers families with children the opportunity to worship together while also providing Sunday School during the worship hour.

Sunday Mornings

• 4yr old-4th Grade - Sunday School (September-May) Sunday School begins at 9:30am and ends at 10:30am. Students will begin their morning in worship with their families before heading to their classroom for the week's lesson. After their lesson they will rejoin their families in the sanctuary for the close of worship. Children in grades 5th to 12th are encouraged to Sunday worship with their families or to serve as classroom leaders and helpers.  
• Nursery and Grace Space - Ages 0-3, Sundays 9:30-10:30am Our Nursery is available for parents with children aged 3 and younger. Parents or caregivers must stay with their child/children in the nursery. The worship service is live-streamed into the nursery. Our Grace Space is located in the sanctuary and provides parents with young children to share in the worship experience while their children can move and play.  
• 5th-12th Grade -  Worship Service Older children are encouraged to participate in worship service along with the congregation. Through regular participation in worship, children learn the rhythm of the worship and the seasons of the church, hear the Word, and share in Holy Communion. 

Sunday Evenings

• High School Youth Group - 9-12th Grade, 2nd and 4th Sundays 6:30-8pm  Join us after dinner to connect with friends and grow in faith through a mix of activities, Bible study, and outings. This will be the PRIMARY GATHERING time for high schoolers, we are trying this model to have more quality time with our youth outside of the busy school week since we have not seen consistent numbers on Wednesday evenings. 

Wednesday Nights are Community Night at St. Mark’s and we provide a variety of options for families each week.

Community Meal - 5:00-6:00pm 

These meals are open to all. We provide these meals at no cost but welcome a free will offering of $3/person, no more than $12/family. 

Faith Formation Hour - 6:00-6:45pm 

Each week there are options for people of all ages to engage their faith and build relationships. 

• Faith and Fun - PreK-6th Grade, Wednesdays 6-6:45pm Wednesday night Faith and Fun focuses on developing faith and building relationship through a variety of activities, games, and service projects. 
• Confirmation - 7th-8th Grade, Wednesdays 6-6:45 This two year program leads middle schools through the Bible and Lutheran tradition. Students will be confirmed in the fall of their 9th grade year. 
• High School Youth Group - 9-12th Grade 6-6:45pm The Youth Room will be open on Wednesdays as a place for high schoolers to self gather and hang out during the week, this is NOT the primary education time for youth, this is an informal gathering. Deacon Kate will join them for a time to check in upon returning from leave. 
• Adult Convo (6-6:45pm) Parents and other adults gather each week for casual conversations about faith and life. This is a great opportunity to connect with other adults and is a great pick me up in the middle of a busy week. 

 Communion Service - 6:45-7:15pm  We end each Wednesday with a short service including music, prayers, and communion. 

For More Information

To learn more about programs for children, youth, and families, please contact the church office at 651-777-7451 or stmarks@stmarks-nsp.org. You may also contact Deacon Kate or Pastor David.