Children Youth and Family Ministry

"Children are not the church of tomorrow...they are the church of today."

They are curious about faith and who God is calling us to be. We are grateful for the opportunity to Share it as we journey together. We seek to empower them to Live it, in the world, beyond the church walls. And we hope to give them the tools to Be Bold with it—to love generously, to ask the tough questions, to promote change.

Kids' Talk

We are pleased to offer a short children's message/Kids' Talk as part of the 10am Sunday Service. Rather than leaving for Sunday School at this time, children will receive a package of activities upon entering church and will remain in their seats to hear a special message (tied in to the readings for the week) that is designed just for young ears and busy minds.

During worship, children are playing in comfortable play area in the church as adults with them participate in the service.

Children and Youth Programming

We work hard to provide an all-ages ministry where we aim to offer opportunities for all to experience discipleship through learning, serving, leading and sharing our faith.
Kathy, our rector includes a Kids' Talk with every service. There are also bagged activity kits available at the back of the church for children to play with in the pews.

We have also created a comfortable children's area within the church proper to be used during the service. Little ones will find toys, books and a soft mat to stretch out on. There is space for parents to sit with the children or they may choose to return to their pew.

For school-aged children, we also offer diverse learning programmes Sunday mornings during the school year. We are looking for additional volunteers for this ministry. We ask that you prayerfully consider if that is something that you are interested and if so, to speak to Canon Kathy or one of the wardens.

We also celebrate in community with many annual events throughout the year.

Refer to our home page and calendar for current and upcoming events.

Anglican Family Hub

Connecting families from throughout the Diocese of Niagara. Ministry leaders from various churches offer resources for prayers, online Sunday School, virtual youth groups, and "Table" meetings for those 19+. Content is also posted on the Anglican Family Hub Website.

Diocesan Youth Events and Programming

Check the diocesan site for announcements, details, applications for these events and many more!

Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP) - Held during March Break with a late January application deadline. Since its inception in 1981, most participants have come to YLTP through the encouragement of their clergy and youth leaders.

Youth Synod in Action - A conference offering hands-on experience with social-justice issues allows delegates (ages 13-21) to delve more deeply into relevant lifestyles and decision making by debate and action.

Niagara Youth Conference – A 5-day residential conference for youth (14-19), designed to promote and establish caring, spiritual participatory learning; a community of the Niagara diocese that encourages inclusion and personal sharing! Fun and frivolity included!

Due to the current circumstances, some of these programmes have made adjustments in their programming.

Children Youth and Family Ministry

St. John's Church, Thorold

Anglican Diocese of Niagara