Calvary Episcopal Church Children and Family Ministry seeks to build meaningful spiritual formation opportunities through religious education, worship, service, events, and activities for Calvary parishioners. For more information about children and family ministries, contact Jocelyn Busby.
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Children are welcome at all Calvary worship services. Nursery care and Children’s Chapel are special options for children during worship.
Ages 0-2: Infant and Toddler Nursery
Ages 3-5: Little Lambs
Calvary maintains an excellent nursery facility staffed by trained, professional caregivers. We welcome children ages 0-2 in our nursery, and those aged 3-5 (PK/JK) in our Little Lambs classroom. Both rooms are open from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Sundays. Nursery families will be asked to commit to supporting the health, wellness, and safety protocols and must agree to keep children home when they are not feeling well.
A loving atmosphere, personal attention, and age-appropriate toys and activities are all designed to make the nursery a safe, nurturing place for your child.
A child registration form should be on file for each child who attends the nursery. Child registration forms can be obtained from Miss Robbie and are kept in a secure location. Please remember to bring diapers/pull-ups and wipes with your child every time they attend the nursery. Please also bring a change of clothing with your child, even if your child is potty-trained.
In between our services, we offer Sunday formation for all ages.
Children in kindergarten through 5th grade explore their faith and scripture through Godly Play, a Montessori-style Episcopal curriculum based on storytelling, designed to connect our young people more deeply to their faith. Classes are grouped by the following ages: SK-1st Grade (Classroom A), 2nd-3rd (Classroom B), 4th-5th (Classroom C).
JK-2nd Grade
Children’s Chapel is an opportunity for children to experience the “Liturgy of the Word” in an easy-to-understand story format. Children participate in various ways, such as setting the altar table, listening, responding to the story, singing, praying, and passing the Peace. Older elementary children are also welcome to attend and serve in the special roles of banner bearer, helper, and doorkeeper. Badges and descriptions of these roles can be found in the church library.
At the beginning of the 10:30 a.m. worship service, children follow the banner out of the church to Children’s Chapel. At the time of the Peace, they are escorted back to the church to join their families for Communion.
Children’s Coffee Hour is a fellowship offering for children and families. Join us on the staff patio for a late morning time of fellowship, refreshments, and Bible activities. The staff patio is adjacent to the Calvary Commons, where our traditional coffee hour takes place. (On days that are very hot or wet, we will meet in the Mural Room.) All are welcome, and those ages six and under will benefit from an adult companion.
Children are welcome at all Calvary worship services. There are also some special options for children during worship.
Worship Journals are for all ages to engage in the worship service by noticing different aspects of worship. They can be found in the pew racks.
In our activity station, coloring sheets based on Bible stories and liturgical seasons are provided, along with baggies of crayons. Felt “busy” books are available to engage babies and toddlers. Sensory toys, such as marble mazes, lacing cards, and rubber poppers, are also provided. Our hope is that these quiet activities will enhance and facilitate the worship of all ages.
When children become upset during church, parents may choose to help their children find peace in the Montgomery Foyer on the second floor, where the service is livestreamed.
Nursery Care is available for children ages 0-5 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Join us in the Mural Room for food, fellowship, and fun!
Gathering Fellowship Hour is an opportunity for children and adults to “sit and stay a while” after dinner for an hour of fellowship. Games, books, puzzles, and coloring materials will be provided. Mrs. Jocelyn and friends will supervise children ages five and up if parents wish to attend a formation class. Whether you’d like to play a game, chat with friends, read a book, or do your homework, this is the perfect place for you!
Parents, grandparents, and children are invited for a new family fellowship offering on select Saturdays! Come to enjoy some downtime with other adults while your children play. Let’s make new friends and grow in fellowship with old ones. Please contact Jocelyn Busby, director of children and family ministries, for more information by emailing jbusby@calvarymemphis.org.
Calvary Episcopal Church’s mission is making God’s love visible in downtown Memphis. We encourage our children and youth to live into this mission as part of a safe and loving community. Contained within this manual, you will find information regarding the Children Ministry and the Youth Ministry’s guidelines, procedures, and code of conduct. The guidelines and procedures are in place to provide safety for all children and youth. Please take the time to read this manual and discuss it with your child. Expectations of parents/guardians, children, youth, and Calvary staff are outlined. Parents/guardians, children, youth, and Calvary staff are responsible for the information contained in this manual. Questions can be directed to the director of children and family ministries and/or the director of youth ministries, or a member of the clergy.
Parents/guardians should complete a Child Registration Form for each child at the beginning of the school year. The program director will distribute and maintain forms. If any information changes during the school year, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to inform the program director.