Children & Youth
Children's Sunday School
Nursery & Preschool
Both available on Sundays
Nursery | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Infants and children through age 4 are invited to our Nursery, well-staffed by professional childcare providers. Please find our Nursery off the hallway off from the gathering area, labeled as “Sunday Infant Room” which is also accessible within the Education Building along the Sunday School Classroom hallway on the first floor. An usher or a greeter will be happy to direct you there.
The Nursery is available for infants and children through age 4 during worship services.
Preschool - Godly Play Class
Ages 3 - 6 | 9:45 a.m.
Our Preschool (age 3 - 6) class uses a curriculum called "Godly Play", developed by Jerome Berryman in Houston and used in reformed churches all over the world. Godly Play encourages children to use multiple senses and the language of Christianity to express what they innately know about God.
All Children learn about God and creation, play with friends, and enjoy a snack while parents remain on campus to worship, learn, and socialize. Our well-trained staff make sure that each child feels that this is a special and sacred place for them to be.
Elementary (Grade 1st - 5th)
Classes are held on Sundays
Grades 1 - 5 | 9:45 a.m. located in Room. 205
Our elementary Sunday School class uses a variety of curriculum and activities to engage children in multiple learning styles as they learn and grow in faith together, exploring the stories of scripture, asking big questions about faith and life, and having fun. Our materials come from denominational partners such as Illustrated Ministry and Growing Faith Resources, and units explore topics such as creating peace, crossing borders, practicing generosity and living in community. We occasionally offer intergenerational learning opportunities which include a unit on exploring the Lord’s Prayer as well as God’s Family at Worship - a semi-annual workshop series on different elements of Reformed worship at St. Philip.
St. Philip Children's Music
Held Seasonally
All children age 5 and up | 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
Sunday School begins with music. Weekly meetings will consist of a variety of musical activities involving singing, movement, percussion, and more.
Why Should Children Learn Music?
Countless studies have shown that kids who sing in choir or play a musical instrument do better in school. Besides being a great exercise for body, mind and spirit, music helps develop a child's confidence, coordination, communication skills, social skills, and many more. Plus, it's a lot of fun.
Rehearsals and Singing in Worship
Rehearsals consist of vocal training, music learning, and teamwork. When children first join a choir, it takes time for them to become accustomed to singing together and understanding what is involved in being in a choir. Rehearsals are essential, as they allow us time to work with the children to develop their musical skills in a highly engaging setting so they are ready to sing well for services.
Sunday Worship and Children's Chapel
All children are invited to sit with their families during worship.
During the worship hour, there is a time just for children with the pastors. Worship bags as well as Children’s Bulletins are available in the Narthex for children who wish to remain in church.
When children participate in and lead worship they feel they are a special and beloved part of their faith community and they begin to develop their own sense of what it means to be a child of God.
Opportunities abound for children and youth to take active roles in the life of worship at St. Philip as acolytes, liturgists and choir members. Please ask a pastor about these opportunities!
Infants and children through three years of age are invited to play in the Nursery at any time during both services!
1st and 3rd (and an occasional 5th)
Sundays of each month | 11:00 a.m.
During 11:00 a.m. worship, children of pre-K age (age 4 as of September 1) through first grade are encouraged to worship with their families/parents in church. The bookshelf outside the sanctuary is stocked with Children’s Bibles, books, Children’s Bulletins and colored pencils. Families are welcomed to sit there with their children! Also, there are worship bags located in the Narthex.
2nd and 4th
Sundays of each month | 11:00 a.m
On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, children/parents worship with their families at the beginning of the 11:00 a.m. service. Following the conversation with children, those in pre-K through first grade are invited to attend Children's Chapel with Pastor Omar and a parent helper.
Parents, please meet your children at those pews following the postlude.
Children's Chapel
In the Children's Chapel, our young disciples learn the whos, whats , wheres, whens and whys of worship in the chapel, while also praying, seeing and hearing God's word at an age-appropriate level. Children return to join the congregation in the first few pews on the lectern side of the church for the last hymn.
VBS
Vacation Bible Saturday
There are also many opportunities for education, fellowship and mission for children at St. Philip.
We have day-long seasonal Vacation Bible Saturday programs during Advent, Lent and the Summer.
St. Philip Youth
Grades 5th through 12th
Youth at St. Philip Presbyterian Church are students in grades 6 through 12, who explore what we believe as Christians and how we’re called to live through Confirmation, Worship, the Kids Against Hunger ministry, Retreats, the Spiritual Pilgrimage for Racial Justice to Montreat, and deep engagement in all facets of our congregation's life. Youth at St. Philip are invited to discover and share their gifts by leading our community in worship through liturgy and music. The Youth of St. Philip are friendly, welcoming to all, and accepting of all that God made you to be!
Youth Activities
Kids Against Hunger
Dining Room | 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month
Youth lead our signature mission project, Kids Against Hunger, in which shelf-stable, vitamin-fortified meals are packed on our campus and donated to Kids' Meals Inc. of Houston, a meals on wheels program for children ages 5 and younger living in food insecure homes who aren't old enough to receive the benefit of free and reduced meal programs through public school. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month from 9:00-10:45am.
Vacation Bible School and Youth On Campus
Three Saturdays in Advent, Lent, and Summer
Three Saturdays a year, youth serve as shepherds for children engaged in Vacation Bible School as a way to mentor younger disciples and grow their skills in nurturing faith in community.
Worship
Sundays in the Sanctuary
On the third Sunday of the month, the liturgist in worship is a youth or child who guides the congregation in reading scripture, leading liturgy, or taking on other meaningful roles in our worshipping life. Students who sing, play instruments, or wish to ring handbells are encouraged to join the Chancel Choir, handbell choir, or work with music director, Justin Langham, to play their instrument in worship.
Spiritual Pilgrimage for Racial Justice
Late July in Montreat, NC
We take an 11 day spiritual pilgrimage for racial justice to and from Week 5 of the Youth Conference at Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina. We visit key sites across the South to teach youth about the sinful history of racial oppression in the South; to study the brave individuals and congregations who furthered the Civil Rights movement as an expression of their Christian faith; and to pursue the work of reconciliation and repentance that God is still calling forth.
