Children & Families

Welcoming little ones into God’s family.

At St. Philip the Deacon, child baptisms represent a promise of new life in Christ, forgiveness of sins, and being welcomed into the family of God. Considering baptism for your child? We have created a video with more detail on how and why we do baptisms at St. Philip the Deacon for people of all ages. To schedule a baptism, please complete our on-line Baptism Information Form.

Contact: Nancy Bixby, nbixby@spdlc.org, 763-475-7166

The body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you.

Through the sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians have given thanks to God ever since Jesus first shared this sacred meal with the disciples.

Generally, children are ready for instruction in this sacrament when they start asking deeper questions about their faith. Twice a year, we offer a family-centered workshop to prepare children in third grade for the reception of their first communion.

Contact: Makayla Dahleen, mdahleen@spdlc.org, 763-475-7128

Caring for our littlest ones and their families.

Early Childhood Ministry celebrates the wonder of God’s love by welcoming and encouraging families of young children, ages newborn to three years old.

Programming includes Baptism Workshops, SPARK Bible Story Series, beginner Bibles for our 3-year-olds entering Sunday School, our annual Family Christmas Celebration, as well as many other opportunities for growth, fun and development.

Contact: Kathy Hagedorn, khagedorn@spdlc.org, 763-475-7138

Helping our children learn the basics of faith.

Throughout the school year, we offer Sunday School during our 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. worship services for children who are age 3 by September 1 through grade four.

Following the Children’s Message, children are dismissed to their Sunday School classes where the love of Jesus is shared with the children as they study God’s word through Bible stories, sing praises on Music Sundays, and experience new adventures on special event weekends. Children also learn about helping others through specific mission projects.

Contact: Norah Long, nlong@spdlc.org, 763-475-7160 or Kathy Hagedorn, khagedorn@spdlc.org, 763-475-7138

Welcoming children with special needs.

Sunday School Friends is a ministry designed to teach children with special needs about the love of God in a small group setting. Leaders have backgrounds in working with children with special needs such as Down’s Syndrome and autism, among others.

Contact: Kathy Hagedorn, khagedorn@spdlc.org, 763-475-7138

Special events for fun, growth and service.

St. Philip the Deacon offers a number of special events for children and their families throughout the year. Children gather in a caring Christian community with their peers and families for fun, fellowship and service.

Contact: Makayla Dahleen, mdahleen@spdlc.org, 763-475-7128

Making the transition from elementary to middle school.

During the year between Sunday School and Confirmation, fifth graders are encouraged to worship regularly with their families. They are also equipped to take on leadership roles, serving as acolytes, readers, offering helpers and ushers.

Fifth graders also enjoy regular gatherings called Grade 5 Gathering, where they continue to develop their faith in a peer group, prior to starting Confirmation in 6th grade.

Contact: Makayla Dahleen, mdahleen@spdlc.org, 763-475-7128

Add your voice to our Children’s Choirs.

Our extensive music program includes two choirs for younger voices. 

Chancel Choir: The Chancel Choir is made up of children in 3rd through 5th grade. They sing approximately once a month during worship, learning and performing songs of varying styles while serving the Lord and having fun with their friends.

Dynamic Deacons: The Dynamic Deacons are made up of children in kindergartners through 2nd grade. This enthusiastic choir sings approximately once a month during worship, learning to make music and praise God with their voices.

Contact: Sam Grace, sgrace@spdlc.org, 763-475-7142