Children at St. Paul’s
Children are an integral part of St. Paul's. Some children settle into a full service easily; others need a smaller space, and both are normal. We offer nursery care, Godly Play, and a children's worship service so that families can find what fits, and we're glad to help you figure out which that is.
Questions? Contact Mtr. Brittany Sparrow Savage at bsavage@stpaulskcmo.org.
New here?
Welcome! For logistics, please check out our parking and what to expect pages.
Our nursery is on the second floor, the same level as the nave, reachable by stairs or elevator from our main south entrance. Godly Play and 3-4-5 Sunday School meet one floor up on the third floor, also reachable by both stairs and elevator. Our nursery staff will help you get settled and answer any questions. There's a restroom with a changing table on the second floor, just outside the nave.
If you'd rather keep your child with you in the service, that's always welcome too. There’s a support shelf located in the narthex near the North Entrance off of 40th Street. On the shelf, you’ll find supportive aids to help everyone participate in worship, particularly those with sensory sensitivities.
If your child has allergies, sensory needs, or anything else we should know about, please tell Mtr. Brittany ahead of time. She would much rather hear from you in advance than have your child have a hard morning.
9:00 AM: Sunday School
Nursery: Birth to 5 years | Walnut Room, Second Floor | 9:00 through end of service
A safe, welcoming space for our youngest parishioners, with a livestream of the service playing for adults. The nursery is available through the end of the service.
Godly Play: Toddlers through 2nd Grade | Third Floor | 9:00 to 9:50 AM
A Montessori-inspired approach to Christian formation. Children explore the stories of our faith through storytelling, wondering, movement, and hands-on materials, discovering God's story with imagination and curiosity while finding their own place within it. Learn more about Godly Play at St. Paul's.
3-4-5 Sunday School: 3rd through 5th Grade | Third Floor | 9:00 to 9:50 AM
Using Peanuts comic strips, students explore one of Sunday's appointed Bible readings and the Book of Common Prayer, connecting Scripture and faith to everyday life.
10:00 AM: Children’s Worship
Pre-School through 2nd Grade
Designed to meet our youngest parishioners where they are developmentally, this child-centered service mirrors the rhythm of our worship through conversation, movement, and games. Children join the main service at the passing of the peace.
Opportunities for Service: 3rd through 5th Grade
Third grade marks a big transition, from little kid to big kid. Starting in 3rd grade, kids can take on real responsibility in the life of the parish.
Volunteer with Children's Worship. Help lead and support our youngest worshippers, once a month, during the 10:00 AM service.
Serve as an Acolyte. Acolytes help lead the Church's worship by participating in the procession and assisting the clergy during the celebration of the Mass. Serving as an acolyte helps students develop leadership skills, active listening, confidence, and resilience while building meaningful relationships as part of an intergenerational team. Participation is expected once per month. This ministry is led by Whitney Hosty and Rebecca Burnett. To ask questions or begin serving, contact Whitney at whitneyhosty@gmail.com.
Become a Reader. Readers assist in worship by reading Scripture lessons during the service.
Sing in the Youth Choir. Open through 8th grade. The youth choir performs on select Sundays throughout the year. Participation is free, and the group meets for weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, with dinner provided. Contact our Music Director, Sam Anderson, at musicprogram.stpauls@gmail.com.
Not sure what fits? Email Mtr. Brittany. She'll work with you and your child to find the right place.
Baptism
Baptism is how a person becomes a member of the Church. In the Episcopal tradition, it is a sacrament (an outward and visible sign of God's grace), marking someone as Christ's own forever. It happens once, and it is recognized across the whole Christian church, whatever tradition it was performed in.
We baptize infants and children as well as adults. When a child is baptized, parents and godparents make promises on their behalf, and the whole congregation promises to support that child in their life in Christ. That's the reason baptisms happen during Sunday worship rather than privately, and it's part of why children are so visible in the life of this parish.
To inquire about baptism, please contact Mtr. Brittany at bsavage@stpaulskcmo.org.
Meet Mother Brittany
Mtr. Brittany serves as the Associate Rector and oversees Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. It is her passion to work with and alongside parents, caregivers, and volunteers to help children and youth grow in their faith. Through Christian education, fellowship, and opportunities for service, she helps children, youth, and families become more fully integrated into the life of the Church and discover what it means to be part of the Body of Christ.
Contact: bsavage@stpaulskcmo.org.
Safety
St. Paul's follows the Diocese of West Missouri's Safe Church Policy. All staff and volunteers who work with minors complete Safe Church training and background screening, and we maintain a strict two-adult rule.
If you ever have a concern, please contact Mtr. Brittany or Fr. Steven King. You may also contact the Diocese of West Missouri directly. Suspected abuse or neglect is reported to civil authorities as required by law.
You can read the Diocese of West Missouri Safe Church Policy in full.