Children are not our future, they are the present. Fully formed in the image of God, our children are both treasure and task. Their insights and personalities teach us about the very real presence of God in the midst of humanity, and Jesus highly prized children’s nature in his teachings. We take seriously the responsibility of caring for children, and so observe Duty of Care policies in regards to this vulnerable sector of society. Yet, we also delight in the strength and joy of childhood, incorporating into our worship and our life as many child-centred activities as possible.
We not only welcome our children’s leadership in worship, but we celebrate with them through drama, Sunday School and other programs designed to share all or our gifts together, rather than imparting our gifts to them. We allow our children to form us just as much as we recognize our very real call to form them as followers of the Christ. St. James provides for the needs of children through extending the use of our building to the Bouncing Ball Cooperative Nursery School, and for Guiding and Scouting groups. We invite Guiding and Scouting groups to a special service designed just for them on Baden Powell Sunday.
Children of all ages are welcome throughout our regular worship services, but they can also be cared for in the nursery, or in the appropriate Sunday School Class.
