Church Youth Programs

The persistent growth that characterizes children comes with a breadth of curiosity, questioning and insight. How wonderful, and potentially, challenging. To create space for the young in our midst, to embrace them as they move through life, to hear and hold their questions, takes a village, – well, really, a church, a whole church.

Our innovative and joyful community of staff, volunteers, educators, and engaged families is committed to supporting children throughout New York as they navigate a changing world and their changing selves.

We offer experiential arts-based spaces for intergenerational fellowship, exploration, and community building.

To inquire about any of our programs, you can email us here: cfmprograms@heavenlyrest.org.

Childcare - 9:15 am: Available on Sundays from September-June for ages 0-5. Head down the stairs on your left when you enter the Church, go through the glass doors, and follow the signs to the end of the hallway to the Nursery. Our caregivers are professional, safe-church trained, and loving.

Play & Pray Space: Available during our 11:00 am service for children of all ages to move freely, reflect, and explore the liturgy with their parents. Crayons, Prayer Coloring, diverse books, and manipulatives are available at the back of the church. A table and chairs for small children is available to children and parents behind the last pew.

Family Formation - 9:30 am: Breakfast, Coffee, Bible Stories, Spiritual Questions, and Prayer for every kind of family is available on most Sunday mornings in the Undercroft at 9:30 am. Parents and children are invited to join together with Rev. Cindy Stravers for this special exploration of Spiritual Life and traditions at home.

Our Church, Our Faith - 11:00 am: Children ages 3-3rd grade explore scripture with teaching artists through prayer, movement, song, conversation, art and ritual. Children may gather at the back of the Church to process with teachers before heading downstairs. Children will be brought back up to parents in time for Communion.

Bible Bags: Bags containing bible-based activities are available for children grades 4th-6th to check out during Sunday 11:00 am services. Ask a greeter for more information.

Sunday Acolyte Program: Children Acolytes provide an important ministry as they lead us through our worship - during the Procession, Gospel reading, Offering and Recession. They get to carry beautiful things (including fire!) and wear special vestments - and meet some other wonderful kids as they serve together - approximately once a month. All children/young adults 3rd grade and up are welcome to join this ministry. Please reach out to Cindy Stravers if you are interested in being trained.  

Confirmation: For 7th and 8th graders interested in being confirmed in the Episcopal Church or learning more about our faith. Classes begin in January each year. Email Vi Lynk for more information.

Wednesday after-school Programs:

Early Childhood Music and Movement - 3:45 pm: Children ages 3-grade K learn music basics through joyful singing, movement, and games, led by Teaching Artists Lydia Saylor, Colin Robertson and Ana Smith. This class participates in the Wednesday evening Family Service and special Sunday mornings.

Junior and Senior Choristers - 3:30 pm/4:30 pm: Grades 1st-6th learn fundamentals of choral singing, music theory, sight reading and team-building skills. These classes are led by Director of Music Janet Yieh and Chorister-Music Associate Jennifer Lane. The Choristers sing music from the Anglican Choral tradition and a diversity of styles for the Sunday Eucharist.

Family Service - 4:30 pm: Join us for a short, family friendly service in the Nave.

Grassroots Grocery: Community Meal & Cooking for our Neighbors - On the last Wednesday of every month at 5:45 pm, we invite teens and adults to prepare, cook, and package meals to donate to Grassroots Grocery’s community fridge on 92nd and 1st Avenue. We also share a community meal! Please register here. We meet at 5:45 pm in the chapel for our Sung Evening Prayer and start cooking in Darlington Hall around 6:00 pm.

Other Programming:

Free to Be Under Three: NYC’s premier infant, toddler and two’s program is now a part of Heavenly Rest’s weekly activities.  We currently have open enrollment for all parents and caregivers with children from birth to thirty-four months. Read more at freetobeunderthree.com. For any questions please call us at 212-988-1708

Pageant: Help re-tell the Christmas story! Every child is welcome and parents are invited to volunteer! Rehearsals take place Wednesday afternoons in December. Look for more information November 2024, or email Janet Yieh.