Baptism
The administration of baptism is a joyful occasion in the life of our parish. Baptism is full incorporation into the Christian community and its’ celebration is usually reserved for:
The Great Vigil of Easter,
Pentecost,
All Saints’ Day,
The feast of the Baptism of our Lord
When a Bishop visits
These celebrations take place within the principal Eucharist of the day so that our members may welcome the newly baptized into Christ’s body and into our midst. Baptism is not an end in itself. It is the beginning of a faith journey which lasts a lifetime and is lived out in the context of a worshipping community. It is therefore required that parents and/or custodial adults presenting their children for baptism be active members of this parish or the parish in their hometown.
The clergy and parish members help prepare adults wishing to have their children baptized. Young children are prepared in ways appropriate to their age level. We also prepare adults who desire to be baptized. Baptism of adults is often reserved for the Great Vigil of Easter.
The parish also prepares for the baptism of new members by holding baptismal candidates in our Prayers and by our encouragement and example of faithful witness. We strive to make each occasion for baptism a festival of worship and celebration as we honor those who have died and now live in Christ.
Holy Communion
As baptism is full incorporation into the Christian life and community, all baptized persons, regardless of age are welcome to receive communion. It is our practice to communicate infants & children on the day of their baptism, as receiving communion is the proper ending of the baptismal liturgy. As they grow, children learn more of what the Eucharist means through participation in Sunday discussions. The clergy is available to answer questions children may have. In addition, there are a number of books and resource materials available during morning Sunday School Classes for parents to use with their children.
Nursery
Nursery care is available on the second floor of the parish building for infants and toddlers each Sunday. Children can be escorted to the nursery and remain there from 9:45 a.m. until the Peace when they join the congregation in worship or are cared for until the end of the service.
Sunday School (PreK-6h Grades)
All children from three years old to those in the sixth grade are welcome to join classes on Sunday morning beginning at 9:45 a.m. (they join the congregation for the Holy Communion at the Peace.) Our Sunday school ministry provides Christian nurture for children using a variety of activities (art, music, and learning games) to help them grow up in faith and with the sure knowledge of their belonging in Christ to the people of God. Our classes are conducted by teams of faithful adult members of Grace Church. During the year, we also have 'Family Sundays', occasions when the children join the congregation for the entire liturgy. They need to be with us and we need to be with them!
Special Activities
Every year, seasonal special activities are planned: All Saints Group Activity, Christmas pageant; Palm Sunday program, which ushers us into the mystery and power of Holy Week and Easter; Stations of the Cross for children on Good Friday and more! During the year, we hope to sponsor a Parents' Group, a get-together for parents to discuss issues of interest to them.
