Children's Ministry
Children's ministry walks alongside families with children 5th grade and younger. To shepherd children into a lasting relationship with God, the ministry introduces Jesus to the youngest parishioners, plants seeds of God's word into their hearts, and models the love of Jesus through a caring team of volunteers.
Weekly options include:
Children's Ministry Newsletter Signup
Parents must remain on the SJD campus at all times while children are in the care of Children's Ministries. This includes during worship services, Christian education, special events, or social gatherings taking place on the church grounds. No exceptions.
Fall Schedule Beginning September 13
Nursery | 8:30 am — 12:30 pm
- 2 months - age 2 | First floor nursery: Rm 104
Sunday School | 10:15 — 11:10 am
- 2-year-olds | First floor: Rm 110 & 112
- Age 3 - Kinder | Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 | Lower level: L07, L08
- 1st-3rd grade | Traditional Sunday school | Lower level: L16
- 4th - 5th grade | Traditional Sunday school | Lower level: L21 (girls), L20 (boys)
You may register your child before their first visit to the nursery or Sunday school, or register on Sunday morning.
Register
Nursery 8:30 am – 12: 30 pm
Your little ones will be safe and cared for in our nursery on Sunday mornings while parents attend Sunday School and/or worship services. Register in advance or just check in on Sunday morning. Parents MUST remain on campus while children are in any program offered by children's ministry, including Sunday mornings and special programs.
Age 2 Sunday School, 10:15 – 11:10 am
Our youngest participants will enjoy lessons and stories from the God Is My Shepherd curriculum. The class focuses on teaching children in a loving environment that God loves them and cares for them always.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, 10:15 – 11:10 am
Level 1 (Ages 3 – Kinder)
Level 2 (Grades 1 – 3)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a way of teaching children that seeks to develop the already real and living relationship children have with Jesus. The classroom (called an atrium) becomes a place of concrete encounters with our faith and Christ. Learn more about CGS.
Traditional Sunday School (Grades 1 – 5), 10:15 – 11:10 am
Lower Elementary (Grades 1-3)
Upper Elementary Tweens (Grades 4-5)
All our traditional classes will use The Gospel Project curriculum which teaches the bible stories as one big story of Jesus' redemption. Classes will begin in Acts this fall to align with the adult teachings and chronologically learn from the bible through the book of Revelation.
Preparation for Communion
The annual Preparation for Communion Class begins on September 13. The class meets weekly at 9am in Room L17. Registration is closed as the class is now full.
Children's Ministry Staff
Holli Kight served as Director of Children’s Ministry at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church from 2008 to 2022. She brings a wealth of experience and deep knowledge to this vital ministry, along with a strong passion for children and the important role they play in the future of our church.
The Rev. Libby Garfield joined St. John the Divine in 2023. She holds and Master of Divinity degree from Nashotah House Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Sewanee: The University of the South. Prior to ordained ministry, she worked in youth ministry in Louisville, KY. She is a certified Level I Catechist with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
St. John the Divine has been a second home to ReBecca and her family. She has been blessed to have her four children baptized and confirmed in this parish. More importantly, they are all active members of this amazing community.
Luci is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and came to the United States as a nanny. She got her Associate in Teaching here in Houston and started working at SJD in 2006 as a Nursery Worker. She became the Nursery and Preschool Associate in 2018. She loves working with children because she believes they are angels sent by God to bring joy to our lives!
Get Involved
Family Movie Night
Sep 11, 2026 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring the whole family for an evening of dinner, fellowship, and a movie! All ages are welcome as we enjoy the 2025 animated film, David. From the shepherd fields of Bethlehem to the battlefield where he faces Goliath, David brings one of Scripture's most beloved stories to life. Follow David's remarkable journey from humble shepherd to Israel's anointed king as he discovers what it means to trust God with courage, faith, and love. *Please note: While the film is family-friendly, some battle scenes may be intense for very young children. RSVP encouraged to help us plan!
Family Retreat
Oct 09, 2026 • 6:00pm
Save the Date for the third annual SJD Family Retreat from October 9-11, 2026. We will once again go to Camp Tejas. Registration opens August 1.
First Communion Service
Oct 25, 2026 • 11:15am - 12:00pm
The children who participated in our annual Preparation for Communion class will take their first communion together at the 11:15 am Church service.
