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) is offered during the Formation Hour and services each Sunday. 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 (ages 4–11) is a place to help children enter into full, conscious and active participation in the liturgical and communal life of the Church through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
- 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 that is facilitated by a trained adult leader and assistant. After the Gospel reading in the service, the children are invited to the front of the nave to receive a prayer of blessing before leaving for Children's Liturgy of the Word. They return to service before Communion.
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 9:00 to 10:00 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.