Then Jesus took a little child and put it among his disciples; and taking the chid in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me." —Mark 9:36–37
At All Saints we care deeply about the spiritual life and development of our children and young people. It does indeed take a church to raise a Christian, and we as a church family are committed to raising our young Christians or all ages to share in the life of God for the life of the world.
Children
Nursery
Nursery (0-3 years) Childcare is offered during the Formation Hour and Services each week. We offer three rooms based on age and development. Parents can bring snacks for their toddler and there is a nursing room for mothers. Parents are encouraged during communion to check their children out of nursery and receive communion as a family.
Nursery services are also provided for most church functions, such as Wednesday night gatherings. Our nursery staff are First Aid/CPR/AED certified by the Red Cross of Tennessee, so you can rest assured that your child is in capable and attentive hands.
The Atrium
The Atrium (age 4–12) is a place to help children enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church.
- Level 1 (Pre-K—Kindergarten) children will be oriented to the materials of practical life which aid in contemplation, and will spend time working with the liturgical colors/calendar, and the model altar to meditate on the Holy Eucharist celebrated every Sunday.
- Level 2 (1st—5th grade) children will explore the Bible and the books that comprise it, the history of the Kingdom of God, and the vestments and articles of Holy Eucharist.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Most Sundays during the sermon we offer a short bible study for children 4–7 focused on the Gospel reading for that day which is facilitated by a trained adult leader and assistant. Before leaving we pray as a congregation for these little ones after the Gospel reading that they will encounter the resurrected Jesus in his word.
Youth
Sunday Mornings
For students Youth (6th—12th Grade) we offer a Formation Hour time focused around, Lectio Divina, liturgical instruction, reflection, and prayer from 8:45–9:45 am.
Youth Encounter
All students entering 6th–12th grade are invited each Wednesday from 5:45–7:45 pm at the church or host home for a night of food, fun and bible study. We also have periodic retreats and trips.
Parents and Adult Volunteers
Our ministry to children relies heavily on the dedication of its volunteers. Our safe church policy requires that at least two adults be present at any event involving children under the age of 18. However, for added supervision, we like to ensure that we have a ratio of at least one adult for every four infants or toddlers and at least one adult for every eight children age 3 or above. To meet this goal, we seek the aid of adult volunteers who are eager to connect with children and who would like to help them grow in their faith. Adult volunteers primarily serve as leaders of Children's Church and act as chaperones for special events, but they can also assist in behind-the-scenes roles. Special training is available for all new volunteers and is required of all current volunteers annually.
At present, All Saints has over 70 people trained in our International Diocese Policy Manual for the Protection of Children. That means that 1 in 3 people at the church is trained and aware of how to protect children from incidents of neglect or abuse. We are proud to have such an amazingly prepared and dutiful congregation.
If you are interested in serving or participating in the spiritual life of the Children and Youth of All Saints email the Rev. Kevin Vailes