Grace Kids and Youth Lead
Hello! My name is Sarah Shea and I am the Children and Youth Director here at Grace Church.
I consider ministering to kids and youth not only my calling but also an honor and a blessing. I believe that every human, no matter how small, has a very real spiritual life, and it is my goal to nurture that when they are at Grace Episcopal Church. I believe faith is cultivated in community, and it is my goal to help create space to build meaningful relationships through praying together, reading together, and playing together.
Upcoming Events
Youth Group
Youth Group (formerly “Middle School Meet”):
Youth aged 6th – 10th grade are invited to Grace’s youth group. It starts Sunday, September 17, and will continue to meet on the first and third Sunday of every month from 12:00 – 2:00 pm in the youth room. Contact Sarah Shea at cymdirector@graceepiscopalholland.org for more information.
Welcome to DnD
Welcome to DnD: Sunday, November 26th, 12:00 – 1:00
Sarah Shea is hosting a “Welcome to DnD” meeting. There has been some interest from the kids, youth, and parents of Grace to learn more about the game “Dungeons and Dragons”. It is open to everyone in the congregation and very beginner-friendly. Please RSVP to Sarah Shea by Nov. 20th if you or your kid is interested in joining!
Acolyte Training
Acolyte Training: December 10, 12:00 – 1:00
(For ages 3rd grade and up)
Acolytes are the people who serve in the red robes during worship, lead our processions with a cross, torches and gospel and help us pray! All who are currently serving as acolytes or are interested in doing do are invited to an Acolyte training session on Sunday, December 10, after the 10:30 service. Please RSVP to Sarah Shea.
10:30AM - 11:00AM
10:30AM - 11:00AM
Kids and Youth FAQs
There is a nursery available every Sunday from 10:00 – 12:00. The nursery is geared for kids aged 0 – 4.
We also offer Growing into Worship for elementary-aged children, held in the kid’s space during the 10:30 am service.
We do believe having children in service is an asset, and we encourage families to bring kids along if they feel comfortable doing so. There are “Pew-Pals” for kids with child-friendly bulletins, coloring pages, and more activities for them to do during the service.
Here at Grace we believe that everyone plays a vital role, including the littlest members of the church. We believe that having children in a service is not a distraction but rather adds to the worship experience. We do offer a kids “church” during our second service called Growing into Worship.
Growing Into Worship (GIW) is a program where kids are invited to experience the Liturgy of the Word for the first part of the service in the kids’ space downstairs and rejoin the congregation for Communion.
We are not currently offering any snacks to kids.
Grace Youth offers a variety of events for kids as young as 6th grade up until they are a senior in High School.
The easiest way to find out what is happening in the youth ministries of Grace Church is to contact Sarah Shea, Children and Youth Director, via email. At any given time there may be a laser tag, a bible study, or an overnight event happening!