Kids, Teens, and Families

Family Ministry at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church

A caring, supportive place for all families—chosen and biological

At St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in East Nashville, Family Ministry is rooted in a simple, powerful truth:
Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.

We are a small but vibrant community where children, youth, parents, and caregivers grow in faith together through wonder, fun, belonging, and meaningful relationships. Children and teens are not separated from church life—they are active participants in worship, service, and community.

Our Values: How We Practice Faith Together

  • Belonging

    We are a community where every child, teen, and family is known, valued, and included. No one is expected to fit a mold to belong here.

  • Wonder

    We nurture curiosity, creativity, and awe. Faith is explored through questions, stories, art, play, and everyday life—not just answers.

  • Inclusion

    St. Ann’s welcomes every family, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, family structure, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability.

  • Safety

    All volunteers are background checked and Safe Church trained. Nursery and classroom spaces are designed with child safety and accessibility in mind, including secure check-in systems and childproof rooms.

Sunday Mornings at St. Ann’s

  • Sunday School: 9:00 AM

  • Worship: 10:00 AM

  • Coffee & Snacks: After worship

Children are always welcome in worship. Our prayground allows kids to move, color, listen, and participate in ways that feel natural to them—especially helpful for families with young children or children with diverse needs. Children are not distractions from worship; they are part of it.

Age-Specific Programs

  • Nursery (6 weeks–6 years)

    Available every Sunday from 8:30–11:30 AM, our nursery is a warm, loving space where children experience God’s love through play, storytelling, and trusted relationships.

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten

    Children explore Bible stories through art, games, music, and picture books, learning the language of faith in joyful, age-appropriate ways rooted in Episcopal tradition.

  • 1st–5th Grade

    Elementary students engage faith through creativity, storytelling, movement, and relationship-building. We focus on helping kids discover their God-given gifts and learn how to serve God and neighbor.

  • Youth (Middle & High School)

    Youth grow in faith through lectionary-based learning, church history, the Book of Common Prayer, service opportunities, and honest conversation about how faith connects to daily life. Youth help shape their learning by choosing themes and topics together.

Intergenerational Life & Seasonal Traditions

Family Ministry at St. Ann’s is deeply intergenerational. Many of our most meaningful moments happen when the whole church gathers together.

Annual highlights include:

  • Blessing of the Backpacks

  • Youth Sunday (led by children and teens)

  • Intergenerational Advent Fun

  • Nativity Play & Family Christmas Eve Service

  • Holy Week & Easter celebrations

  • Easter Egg Hunt

  • Graduation Sunday

We believe faith is formed best through shared experiences across generations.

Supporting Parents & Caregivers

Parenting can be joyful—and exhausting. St. Ann’s is committed to supporting caregivers as whole people.

Recent and ongoing offerings include:

  • Parent Night Out (childcare provided so caregivers can rest or reconnect)

  • Monthly gatherings for families with young children

  • Pastoral presence and relationship-centered care

  • Opportunities to connect with other parents and caregivers

Again and again, families tell us what matters most is feeling seen, supported, and not alone.

Looking Ahead: Family Ministry in 2026

As we look to the future, we’re building on a strong foundation of connection and care with:

  • Continued Sunday School and youth formation

  • A youth retreat and service opportunities

  • Advent and Lent family guides rooted in wonder, prayer, and everyday practice

  • Family field trips and parish-wide celebrations

  • Participation in neighborhood events like East Nash Kids Bash

Visit Us

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is a welcoming, inclusive church in East Nashville, offering meaningful faith formation for children, teens, and families.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to belong here. Come as you are—and grow with us.

Check out the Spring 2026 calendar for kids, youth, and families!

Spring 2026 Calendar