Activities for Children and Youth

"Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them.
The kingdom of God belongs to such as these." -- Matthew 20:14

Children are our greatest joy, their education our happiest task, and their participation in the life of our parish our greatest pleasure. Kids of all ages are welcome at all services at St. Luke's. Baptized children may receive communion in the Episcopal Church at any time that seems right to their parents or guardians -- even as infants. Coloring sheets relating to the day's readings and crayons are available in each narthex, and we urge you to allow your children to entertain themselves with these during the service.

If you don't feel that your child is ready to participate in the liturgy, we offer nursery care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Preschoolers also have the option of Children's Chapel...a special service of songs, prayers and Bible stories geared especially to them. Older children may join Youth Choir Rehearsal during the first part of the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service. Teenagers are invited to become Acolytes and Lectors.

Education is an important part of any church's ministry, and it's a role we especially enjoy. Sunday School is offered for children age 3 and up at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday. We also offer a fun-filled Vacation Bible School for a week during the summer. Confirmation classes are available for older children and teenagers interested in being confirmed in the Episcopal Church.  Kids from 6th to 12th grade will enjoy the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC), a group that meets on Sunday evenings for fun and fellowship, ministry and mayhem!

We at St. Luke's are also very proud of our excellent Kindergarten and Pre-School, which has been serving the children of the community since 1961. Parents interested in enrolling their children in the school should contact the church for information.

The church is made up of people of all ages, and we invite your children to claim it as their own!

Children's Activities - Where and When

Sunday School: Classes for four-year olds through high school age are taught by teams of adults (including parents) and older youth from 9:00 to 9:45 am each Sunday during the school year. The preschool class, the kindergarten/1st grade class, and the 2nd/3rd grade class all meet in the School building. The 4th/5th grade class and the Youth Forum meet in Johnson Hall. . After Sunday School, children may join their parents for the 10:00 a.m. service, or they may go to the Nursery, Children's Chapel or Junior Choir Rehearsal as befits their age and inclination. Children's Chapel: With the help of parent volunteers, the children have their own time of prayer, song and Bible stories, and then join their families for the Eucharist at the 10:00 service each Sunday. They meet in their very special children’s chapel, located in Johnson Hall. Children’s Chapel is designed for children ages 3 and up. Young children enjoy this special service of songs, prayers and Bible stories geared especially for them. Parents of participating children are asked to take turns conducting the service on a rotating basis. Participants join their parents or guardians in the church for the Eucharist. Youth Choir: The Youth Choir meets each Sunday during the school year in Johnson Hall from 10:00-10:35 a.m. to rehearse and then join their families in church for the Eucharist. Children who can read (up to 8th grade) are invited to join. The Youth Choir has its own director. Nursery:  Two nurseries are offered, one for infants to 18 months in Johnson Hall, and a second nursery for 18 months to 3 years in the School building. Nurseries are open every Sunday morning, 9-11 am.  Each nursery has a paid employee and one volunteer on a weekly rotating basis.   Children may stay in the Nursery for the entire Education Hour and Worship Service, or they may join their parents or go to Children's Chapel, as preferred.  St. Luke’s School: Classes for 3-year olds through Kindergarten are offered during the traditional school year,  in a building especially designed for that purpose.. St. Luke’s School enjoys a well-respected reputation throughout the Durham community for offering quality education at very reasonable tuition rates.  For those interested in serving on the St. Luke’s School Committee, please contact the Chair.  Those with questions about attending the school, please contact the Director. Vacation Bible School:  This annual summer event is always a lot of fun, and involves the entire parish...adults as well as children.  Call the church office or email us for information on next summer's VBS.

Especially for Older Kids

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC): This youth group is for grades 6-12.  It meets on most Sunday evenings from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., and combines study, service and fun.   The EYC also enjoys taking on various ministries. An annual beach retreat and periodic movie and pizza outings are also part of the fun. Friends are always welcome!  Acolytes: Teenagers may participate in the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Service as Acolytes. Acolytes assist the celebrant during the service by lighting candles, carrying the processional candles and cross and receiving the offering.   There is more about Acolytes on the Worship and Pastoral Care page. Lectors and Intercessors: These are communicants in good standing who have skill at public speaking. They read the Lessons (Lectors) and Prayers (Intercessors) at public worship.  There is more about these on the Worship and Pastoral Care page.