Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church • Kinderhook, New York
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WE WELCOME CHILDREN

"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these...And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." -Mark 10:13-16


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Sunday School is held in McNary Center at 9:00AM for children under 13 years of age.  It meets only during weeks when the public schools are in session.  Call Ms. Sylvia Kelly at 518-758-6137 to find out more about Sunday School classes. 

If you have a teen preparing for confirmation, speak to Father Tom to arrange for classes. Breastfeeding mothers need not feel compelled to leave mass during feedings.

Scroll down for some helpful hints on how to guide our youngest members.

 

It is sometimes said that children are the future of the Church.  They are not.  From the moment they are brought into the family of God in relationship to Christ Jesus, from the moment of their baptism, they are fellow worshipers, brothers and sisters.  For them, as for us, there will never be a time when our relationship with Jesus Christ stops growing.  Children, teens, and adults alike need to learn more and more about the God who loves and saves us by sending his only Son, and who prepares us for eternal life through the gifts of their Holy Spirit poured out through the Church.  Study, mentoring, discipleship, and mutual accountability take different forms at different ages, but they are for all.   Attending church and listening to a brief sermon once a week (or less often) does not promote a deep, rich, satisfying relationship with anyone, let alone God.

Parents and other significant adults are children's first and most influential teachers.  What they see modeled is what they will learn, all good other good intentions and teaching to the contrary.  We therefore emphasize the importance of encouraging all children to remain in church for the entire service.  In order to help this happen, we offer a children’s church- an interactive experience during part of the 10am morning worship service. Children begin worship with the congregation, and then from the Gospel reading to the passing of the peace they have an optional children's church (for all children under the age of 13). Here, children pretend play as acolytes, ushers, and readers, engage in faith reinforcing games, and participate in worship in kid-friendly ways. Children's Church is taught by several adult volunteers.  All volunteers must go through background checks and participate in the diocesan recommended training program for keeping churches safe.

Helpful Hints

  • Always remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to church and Christ. Let them know that they are at home in this liturgy of praise and thanksgiving. Children learn liturgical behavior by mirroring others.  Help your child find the pages in the Service Leaflet, Prayer Book, and Hymnal.
  • Explain in a soft voice parts of the service.
  • Encourage children to participate. Use a gentle touch; an arm around your child’s shoulder, or your hands in his/hers give reassurance. This will comfort them as they listen and observe the service, also encouraging them to participate in singing, prayer, and speaking the responses.
  • Teething toys, snacks and coloring books for our littlest worshipers are welcome and understandable.  Breastfeeding mothers do not need to leave for feedings.
  • Please be respectful during worship.  Keep conversations to a minimum using a soft voice.  If younger children becomes restless, books illustrating the Rite II Eucharist are available in the back of church.  Also provided are coloring papers & crayons. We welcome your children to use these items with your supervision.  If storybooks and other items are borrowed during worship, as you leave worship, show your children how to return all items to their proper place.  If your child needs to leave the service, that's okay!  Use your own discretion.
  • For older children, please resist the temptation to provide distractions (such as snacks, video games and books).  Instead, encourage participation.
Adapted from the Office of Christian Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Father Tom Retires
    • Ministries
    • Leadership & Staff
    • History >
      • Heroes & Treasures >
        • Tiffany & Stained Glass Windows
        • Alleluia Eggs
        • Altar Cross (Elizabeth Braine Guion)
        • First Rector (Rev. Frederick Tiffany)
        • Purchase of the Property (The Vanderpoels)
        • Baptismal Font (Catherine G. Johnson)
        • Church Bell (Rev. Porter Thomas)
        • Moving the Edifice (Francis Silvester)
        • Sexton (Peter Vanderpoel)
        • Credence Table (Aaron Melgert Vanderpool)
        • Our Lady of Walsingham (Father Karl Kuhn)
        • Altar Rail (Aaron John Vanderpoel)
        • James Brignull
        • Monstrance (Rev. Susan Waldron)
        • Columbarium (The Winfields)
        • Candelabra (The Livingstons)
        • Stations of the Cross (Roy Roberts)
        • Nursery Wing Painting (Sally Van Alstyne))
    • Photos
  • WORSHIP SCHEDULE
  • WHAT WE BELIEVE
    • What We Believe
    • Worship
    • Children
    • Sacraments, Rites & Ceremonies >
      • Baptism
      • Communion
      • Confirmation
      • Reconciliation
      • Marriage
      • Ministry to the Sick and Dying
      • Burial
  • Resources
  • Cheerful Giving
  • CONTACT US
  • Calendar of Events