“People were bringing little children to Jesus... and He said: ‘Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.’” - Mark 10:13-14
Scroll for moreAt St. Philip the Deacon, we have a particular commitment to our youngest members, remembering that Jesus explicitly told his followers to “let the little children come to me.”
Our Children’s Ministry has programming for families and children from birth through elementary school, including instruction for the sacraments of baptism and first communion.
From resources to help you prepare for baptism to special programming to help your child transition from elementary to middle school, and everything in between, there are so many opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
If you are expecting a child, or if you have children who are toddlers through elementary age, we hope you’ll learn more about our offerings for you and your family.
For more information Baptism contact: Nancy Bixby at nbixby@spdlc.org or 763-475-7166.
For more information about Sunday School, contact: Norah Long at nlong@spdlc.org, or Kathy Hagedorn at 763-475-7138 or khagedorn@spdlc.org.
For more information about Special Events for Elementary aged children contact: Trish Arndt, Special Events, at 763-475-7119 or by email.
In preparation for your child’s baptism, we have created a baptism video that discusses how we do baptisms at St. Philip the Deacon. We also welcome baptisms of older children and adults. To schedule a baptism, please complete our on-line Baptism Information Form.
For more information contact: Nancy Bixby at nbixby@spdlc.org, or 763-475-7166.
Through the sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians have given thanks to God ever since Jesus first shared this sacred meal with the disciples.
A family-centered workshop to prepare children in third grade for the reception of their first communion is offered twice a year. Generally, children are ready for instruction when they start asking questions about their faith and Holy Communion.
For more information contact: Trish Arndt, Special Events for Children, at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Early Childhood Ministry celebrates the wonder of God’s love by encouraging, supporting and welcoming 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.
For more information contact: Norah Long at nlong@spdlc.org, or Kathy Hagedorn at khagedorn@spdlc.org or 763-475-7138.
Sunday School for children age 3 by Sept. 1, through grade four, is offered during Sunday morning worship throughout the school year at the 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. worship services.
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.
For more information contact: Norah Long at nlong@spdlc.org, or Kathy Hagedorn at 763-475-7138 or khagedorn@spdlc.org.
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.
If you have a child or know of a child who might be interested in joining Sunday School Friends or for more information contact: Kathy Hagedorn at 763-475-7138 or khagedorn@spdlc.org.
St. Philip the Deacon offers a number of special events for children and their families throughout the year. Guided by faithful leaders in a caring, Christian community, children gather with their peers and families for fun, fellowship and service.
For more information contact: Trish Arndt, Special Events for Children at 763-475-7119 or by email.
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, and ushers.
Fifth graders also enjoy regular gatherings called Verse 5, where they continue to develop their faith in a peer group, prior to starting Confirmation in 6th grade.
We also invite 5th graders to assist in worship by being an offering helper.
For more information about 5th grade ministry contact: Trish Arndt, Special Events for Children at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Martin Luther King Jr.“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”