Children & Youth
At Saint Andrew’s, our Children & Youth Ministries are rooted in helping young people grow in the love of Christ within a welcoming and joyful community. From our youngest children through high school, we create spaces where they can belong, ask questions, and discover who Jesus is.
Through prayer, Scripture, service, and shared community, children and youth are encouraged to deepen their faith and live lives of love and service. Our hope is to equip them to become compassionate, faithful leaders in their homes, schools, church, and beyond.
All children and youth are welcome.
Saint Andrew’s Children & Youth Ministries are led by our Director of Children & Youth Ministries, Jennifer Lilleker.
Nursery
For our littlest members, the nursery opens at 8:45 a.m. on Sundays and is available for children ages 0–4.
Children’s Faith Formation
During the academic year, children from Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to Sunday School each week at 9:15 a.m., where they grow in faith through age-appropriate lessons either in Godly Play or StoryMakers. Our classes are led by a caring team of volunteers who walk alongside our children, nurturing both learning and belonging throughout the year.
Godly Play (ages 4-7)
Godly Play invites children ages 4–7 into the stories of our faith through scripture, silence, and shared reflection. Through storytelling and gentle “I wonder…” questions, children grow in curiosity, confidence, and a deeper relationship with God.
StoryMakers (ages 8-11)
StoryMakers is a space for children ages 8–11 to explore the stories of our faith more deeply. Through discussion, creativity, and hands-on learning, children are invited to wonder, ask questions, and discover how God is at work in their own lives.
Children’s Chapel
During the 10:15 a.m. service, children in Pre-K through 2nd grade are invited to Children’s Chapel, an age-appropriate worship service held upstairs. After the Sequence Hymn, children follow the Processional Cross to the chapel. There, they hear the Gospel, sing together, and engage with the story at their own level before returning at the Passing of the Peace, just before Communion. Parents are always welcome to accompany their children, especially if they are new.
Youth Faith Formation
During the academic year, youth in grades 6–12 meet each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. to explore Scripture, church history, the sacraments, and the practice of prayer, while considering what it means to live out their faith in everyday life.
Midweek
Café Conversations (grades 6-12)
During the academic year, students in grades 6–12 gather off-site on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church. Together, they explore big questions about faith, friendship, and life in a welcoming and thoughtful setting.
Music Play with Ms. Patty (ages 0-5 with caregiver)
Music Play with Ms. Patty is a joyful weekly class for young children (ages 0–5) and their caregivers, led by Patty Creel. Together, you’ll enjoy children’s songs, hymns, chants, simple prayers, and movement games designed to engage little ones through music and play. The class meets every Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the Saint Andrew’s Parish Hall during the academic year. Learn more.
How to Find Us
Most of our events are held in the Children & Youth classrooms on the second floor. To get there, take the stairs from the Parlor, which is located next to the sanctuary’s side entrance.
Safe Church
The safety and well-being of our children and youth are a top priority. All staff, vestry members, and volunteers who work with children and youth are certified through the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’s Safeguarding program. This includes background checks, references, training in abuse prevention and awareness, and clear policies for appropriate interactions and reporting.
Other Events
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of special events for children, including Back-to-School and End-of-Year parties, Saint Andrew’s Day, the Downtown Bryan Christmas Parade, the Passion Play, our Easter Egg Hunt, Vacation Bible School, and Children & Youth Volunteer Days at the Aggieland Humane Society.
Stay connected through our Children’s Ministry emails, weekly newsletter, and service bulletins for upcoming details.
