Family life can bring challenging faith questions, and we need community and support as we live into them. At Christ Church, we welcome families of all backgrounds and configurations into a vibrant life of children, youth, and parents and caregivers. We offer programs for children, teens, and parents that encourage questions of life and faith in light of God's inclusive love. We also have family events that celebrate each family's unique journey and identity and embrace the rich variety of gifts and learning differences among children.
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Tell us more about you and your family. Please contact the Rev. Susan Richardson, srichardson@christchurchphila.org; 215-922-1695, ext. 25.
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"Give them an inquiring and discerning heart...."
For children and youth:
The Nursery - For infants and toddlers through age 3, our nursery is open from 8:45 - 12:00pm every Sunday and for other events. Children benefit from consistent, trained caregivers who know the families.
The Atriums - For children ages 4-6 (Atrium 1) and 7-10 (Atrium 2), our teachers use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to inspire the children’s questions, creativity, and growing community, Sundays 9 a.m.-noon for Atrium 1, and 10:10-10:50 for Atrium 2.
Youth Group - Using the program Journey to Adulthood, our youth group, ages 11-17, gives teens a chance to probe their evolving questions of self, society, sexuality, and spirituality, while learning to go deeper in community. Sundays at 10:10.
Acolytes - Kids ages 8 to 17 assist the clergy in leading the Christ Church congregation in worship.
Children's Music - Marzena Gulessarian guides the Atrium children in musical and liturgical formation using the program Voices for Life.
"We receive you into the household of God...."
For parents:
Faith and Family series - Throughout the year, parents gather to learn from professionals and from each other and to share the challenges and joys of parenting. Recent topics include finding the margins in our lives, talking to children about death, and helping kids learn about money. Fall 08 topic: Being Your Child's Advocate.
Parents' Night Out - Parents and caregivers gather on special evenings throughout the year for adult dinner and conversation at the church— while their kids enjoy free childcare and activities upstairs with the church caregivers they already know.
For families:
Family Outreach - It’s a chance for kids of all ages and their parents to offer hands-on help to those in need. Opportunities include parties and cookouts with the women and children of the St. Barnabas Mission, making sandwiches for the hungry in Center city, getting gifts for kids in need in the city through our Christmas Angel Tree, and, for teens, a chance to work alongside Christ Church young adults in preparing and serving meals to homeless men in Old City.
Valentine's Day party at St. Barnabas Mission, for families and kids of all ages: Sunday, February 1, 1-3 p.m. Please come and celebrate Valentine's weekend with the women and children of the shelter, with ice-cream sundaes, crafts, and face-painting.