Children are welcome here.
We’re an Episcopal church in Arlington, VA, and we mean it when we say every family belongs here. Find nursery care, Sunday School, and a community where your family belongs.
What Sundays look like for children and youth
Children and youth are part of worship at Saint Peter’s. Some families stay together for the whole service. Some use nursery care, Children’s Chapel, or Sunday formation. Some do a little of both. Youth help led worship by serving as readers, chalice bearers, and acolytes.
There is no single right way to do this. We will help you find your way. Click on the boxes below to learn more.
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Nursery Care
For children from birth through preschool, available Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
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Children's Chapel
Younger children may leave for part of the 10:15 a.m. service and return at the peace.
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Children & Youth Formation
Sunday morning classes 9:00-10:00 a.m. for children and youth ages 3 through Grade 12
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Saint Cecilia Choir
The Saint Cecilia often joins with adult singers, forming a vibrant, intergenerational community of music.
Your family belongs here.
There is a moment, when you’re coming to church with children, when you stand at the threshold and wonder: Will this work for us? Will my child be okay here? Will we be okay here?
At Saint Peter’s, we want to say this as clearly as we can: you and your children are not a disruption to this community. You are part of its life.
Children are not only the future of the church. They are the church now.
Nursery care
Nursery care is available for our youngest children, from birth through preschool, from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays.
It is staffed by trained caregivers who have worked with us for nearly 20 years. We provide a safe, simple, and caring environment.
Some families use the nursery every week. Some stay in worship. Some decide week by week.
All are faithful choices.
Need help finding your way when you arrive?
First time visiting with children?
If you're visiting with children for the first time, we're glad you're considering Saint Peter's. Many families arrive a few minutes early and worship together until Children's Chapel begins. One of our greeters can help you find the nursery or Children's Chapel room and introduce you to our leaders. If you have questions before Sunday, we'd be glad to help.
Children in Worship &
Children’s Chapel
Children belong in worship, and we are glad they are here.
At Saint Peter’s, children are welcome to sit, wiggle, watch, wonder, sing, pray, ask questions, and take in the service in their own way. Some children stay in worship for the whole service. On most Sundays, younger children are invited to Children’s Chapel during part of the 10:15 a.m. service.
Children begin worship with their families, then may leave with adult leaders for an age-appropriate time of scripture, prayer, wondering, and response. They return to the congregation at the Peace and share in the rest of worship, including Holy Communion.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized people, including children, are welcome to receive Communion. Children who prefer not to receive may come forward for a blessing.
There is no single right way to worship with children. Children are also always welcome to remain in the service. All are faithful choices.
Sunday School
We offer formation for children and youth ages 3 through Grade 12 on Sunday mornings.
Classes are age-appropriate, experiential, and rooted in scripture. Children are invited to listen, wonder, respond, and grow in faith at their own pace.
We trust that faith grows gently through relationship, attention, and practice—not pressure.
Our playground
Our nature-based playground is one of the most beloved places on our campus for children. After worship, children often make a joyful beeline for it, eager to climb, explore, imagine, and play.
During the week, it becomes a natural gathering place for families — a space where children can delight in the outdoors while parents and caregivers connect in community. More than a playground, it is a place of welcome, joy, and friendships for our children and families.
Baptism
If you’re interested in having your child to be baptized, we'd love to talk with you. Baptism is the sacrament of belonging — the moment we welcome a child into the body of Christ and the whole community makes promises alongside you. It is a beginning, not a reward. Whether you've been attending for years or just started coming, reach out and we'll help you find your way to that moment. Talk with us about baptism
Safety & Care
Children are precious, and their care matters deeply to us. At Saint Peter’s, we want every child to be welcomed, known, and protected in a safe and loving environment.
Our nursery caregivers, teachers, and volunteers follow Saint Peter’s safety practices, including appropriate supervision, clear check-in and dismissal procedures, and Safe Church training for those who work with children and youth.
We also know that every child is different. If your child has allergies, medical needs, sensory sensitivities, separation anxiety, or anything else you would like us to know, please tell us. We are glad to listen and help your family feel at home.
If you have questions about our Safe Church policies and procedures, please reach out to Sue Cromer, our Director of Children, Youth, and Families ministries.
For Parents
Parenting is holy, joyful, demanding work — and no one is meant to do it alone. Monthly parent forums on Sunday morning offer space for honest conversation, practical wisdom, and faithful reflection on the joys and challenges of raising children.
Recent forums have explored how to
raise children in the Christian faith,
talk with children about the resurrection, and
support children in anxious times.
We also host parent coffees on the first Sunday of the month. It’s an opportunity to make connections with other families.
Planning your first Sunday?
You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. We will help you find your way.
If it would make your first Sunday easier, start here.