St. Stephen's Episcopal Church - Edina, Minnesota - Age 3

At St. Stephen's we believe that we are carrying out the Children's Charter of the Episcopal Church through our many programs for families with young children.

An important aspect of the children's faith development is the family. Parents are encouraged to nurture their children by participating in our many programs for formation.

Knowing God ~ We encourage our children to experience God's love with all their heart, soul, strength and mind.

Inquiring Hearts ~ We encourage our children to question and wonder as they become travelers on their faith journey.

Discerning Gifts ~ We support our children in exploring their talents and gifts and use them to the best of their ability.

Spirit -filled ~ We believe that our children understand God through their innate sense of awe and wonder.

Church School.
St. Stephen's Children's Ministries offers Sunday programs for kids ages 3 years (and potty-trained) through 5th grade from 9:50-10:50 am. As your children grow, the program grows with them to include Bible-based lessons and activities that are appropriate to their ages. Children ages 3 yrs to Grade 3 should be brought to the Education Wing. Grades 4-5 have class in the lower level of the Chapel Wing across from the Creekview Room. Church School runs September through May.

C.O.R.E. (Children's OutReach Education)
I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:31-46
C.O.R.E. is a part of the Church School Program. It's a time when kids will participate in an active hands-on project for outreach. Each month we will learn about and participate in a new activity. For example, one month we will make sandwiches for the homeless, with a goal of 500 sandwiches. We also collect soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. This is a great opportunity for your child to learn about giving to others in a real and personal way.

WeePraise.
Come and join the fun during the 8:30 and 11:00 am services! We meet in the Children's Worship Center located in the lower level of the Education Wing. Children rejoin their families in the service at the time of the Peace. WeePraise runs September through May. When St. Stephen's changes to the summer worship schedule, WeePraise will be offered during the 10 a.m. Sunday service.

WeePraise allows kids to have their own special worship experience, following the church liturgy in a kid-friendly manner. The mission of WeePraise is to introduce children to liturgical space and create a sense of enthusiasm towards God's Word. This interactive, formational service includes music, stories, and prayer. Children, ages 3 yrs (and potty trained) through 3rd grade, participate in a lively, age-appropriate "service" filled with God's Word — which helps them learn how to apply His message to their lives.

Wednesday Nights.
Bring your children, ages 4 (and potty trained) through grade 5, to the lower level of the Chapel Wing from 6:15 - 8:45 pm for a fun-filled night of education, games and surprises. Our Wednesday Night Program runs September through May. Nursery care is provided for infants - 3 1/2 years old.

Moms Group.
Mom's Group provides a wonderful opportunity for relational and spiritual time with other women (childcare provided for infants through preschoolers). We foster community and intimacy by growing spirituality through sharing our lives with each other. Come join us when life allows you on Thursday mornings from 9:30 am - 11:00 am.

Vacation Bible School (VBS).
VBS 2010: Journey with Joseph through Egypt – from ‘Prison to Palace’
Joseph’s fantastical journey - a colorful coat, dreams, betrayal, and a historic rise to power in Egypt, will capture the imagination of every child at VBS this summer. SAVE THE DATE: June 21^st – 25^th for our 1^st session & June 28^th – July 2^nd for our 2^nd session & plan for your child to be a part of this remarkable journey. Registration will begin after Easter Sunday, so stay tuned to the website for more information!

Nursery care in a safe and nurturing environment is available during church services and many programs.