Growing in Faith Together
Formation for Children and Youth at Church of the Nativity
Children Learn About God Through Play, Worship, Mentors, and Community
At Church of the Nativity, we believe that children learn about God — and about who God created them to be — through play, worship, mentors, and community. Our programming for children and youth reflects this reality, offering a warm, nurturing environment where faith takes root and grows.
Sunday School
Sundays during the school year | 9:30 – 10:20 AM
Sunday School for children resumes on Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 AM.
3K – 5th Grade
Meets upstairs in the Godly Play room above the Lucas Library. Enter through the stairwell near the Lucas Library.
Children in 6th grade and older meet in the Sanctuary. Visit our Youth Ministries page for details.
Godly Play (3K – 5th Grade)
Sundays | 9:30 – 10:20 AM | Godly Play Room above the Lucas Library
Godly Play is a Montessori-based approach to Christian formation that invites children to wonder together in a safe, nurturing community.
Each week, teachers present a sacred story, a parable, or a story about the liturgical life of the church. The children then have a chance to choose their work for the day — drawing, building, or playing with the stories themselves.
Godly Play ends at 10:20 AM so that children can join their parents for worship or serve as acolytes.
Katie Jones leads a team of teachers that includes Kim Lawes, Kathy Whicker, Cindy Wilson, Julia Harris, and Lucy Jones.
Nursery
Sundays | 7:30 – 11:30 AM | For infants through first grade
A child's first experience of the church may be in a nursery, held by a loving caregiver while parents enjoy worship. Nativity's nursery is open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM every Sunday morning for infants through first graders.
Parents and grandparents typically retrieve their children just before communion so that they can taste a bit of worship without having to sit still too long!
Acolytes participate in Palm Sunday processional 2026
Acolytes
Beginning in 4th Grade through Senior High
Acolytes participate in Sunday worship by helping prepare the altar for Holy Communion and by carrying the processional cross, candles, and the book containing the Gospels. Beginning in the 4th grade and continuing through senior high school, all are invited to serve in this role.
Serving in worship is a way to learn more about how the church prays together and the traditions and symbols that link us back to Christians who have been praying the same way for centuries. To be an acolyte, students must participate in a yearly training session with the Rector or Verger.
Children’s Choir rehearsal 2022
Children's Choir
Children in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to sing with our Children's Choir. The choir sings periodically throughout the year, including at All Saints' Day, the St. Nicholas Party, the Christmas Pageant, and Caroling at Indywood.
No experience is necessary — just a willingness to sing.
Visit our Music Ministry page for rehearsal times and registration.
Vacation Bible School
For children entering 3K – 5th Grade
Each summer, Nativity transforms into a hub of joyful noise and discovery for our annual Vacation Bible School. This beloved three-day program invites children ages 4–11 to dive deep into the stories of our faith through interactive Bible lessons, creative crafts, high-energy games, and spirited music.
Teens in 6th grade and older are invited to serve as volunteers, gaining leadership experience and service hours while mentoring younger children.
For more information about VBS or to get involved, contact Madeline Kirk at (901) 412-2551 or via email at mhkirk19@gmail.com.
Growing Up at Nativity
As children grow, formation continues. Youth in grades 6–12 are invited to Youth Sunday School, EYC on Monday nights, and more.
Questions?
For more information about any of our children's formation programs, please contact the church office at (662) 453-7786 or office@nativitygreenwood.org.