Working with children here at St. Dunstan’s, I often overhear the cutest (and sometimes profound) things they say. During our recent VBS in June, for example, we asked Fr. Naty to portray “Jesus”. As he slowly walked down the aisle toward the cross, the children gradually noticed his presence and quietly watched. When “Jesus” made his way back up the aisle, one of our campers was overheard asking, “Was that a priest? Or was that God?”
That innocent question has stayed with me. It makes me wonder: Can’t we all be God’s presence to someone else? Can our words and actions help God build His kingdom here on earth?
I believe the answer is a resounding YES! And if you’re looking for ways to serve God by sharing His love with the children in our midst, have I got some wonderful opportunities for you!
Children’s Chapel
You have probably noticed the children leave the service after the Collect and head off to Children’s Chapel. What you may not know is that our fantastic volunteers serve just once a month, in pairs.
Children’s Chapel is a simplified version of our worship service, designed to help children learn about the different parts of the liturgy and hear the Gospel in an age-appropriate and engaging way. They return to their parents after The Peace—although things do tend to get a little noisier when they come back! (Is “The Peace” still an appropriate term at that point?)
It’s the perfect opportunity to get your monthly “kid fix” without having to seek professional mental health care afterward!
Sunday School
St. Dunstan’s is blessed to have a group of dedicated and devoted Sunday School teachers who share their love of God—and their love of children—with our youngest members.
We offer two Montessori-inspired curricula that encourage children to learn through story, role play, freedom of movement, and hands-on work. These experiences give each child the opportunity to explore their faith at their own pace and begin to develop a personal relationship with God.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, for our youngest learners ages 3–6, provides a beautiful spiritual foundation. Our trained catechists lead the children in a fully appointed atrium where they can know Jesus as the Good Shepherd, explore Scripture, prayer, and the Christian tradition in a peaceful, child-centered environment.
Our Godly Play curriculum speaks to our 2nd through 5th graders, where they delve more deeply into Scripture, including the stories of the Old Testament. Over the past three years, thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we have lovingly added to the beautiful, handcrafted lessons used in our Godly Play classrooms.
We are always looking for more teachers to allow for greater rotation and flexibility, and we would especially welcome anyone who simply loves children and would be willing to serve as a substitute. You don’t have to be a theologian or an expert; just bring a willing heart, a little time, and a love for helping children discover God.
Children’s Choirs
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” is our motto, and God surely loves hearing His children worship through song (or a reasonable facsimile thereof!).
On Sunday evenings, you may want to bring earplugs if you plan to assist with the St. Nicholas Choir! This enthusiastic group of our youngest singers, ages 4 through 3rd grade, gather to explore their budding musical talents. While we work on specific songs to share in church, the rehearsals are anything but formal. Instruments, fun VBS tunes, and plenty of “action songs” are mixed in to keep everyone engaged, moving, and most importantly - having fun.
Across the hall, Music Director David Horn directs our St. Cecilia Choir made up of our 4th graders through high school students, producing a somewhat more refined (and considerably less earplug-worthy!) sound. By this age, our young musicians are developing the skills to sing in parts and occasionally even add handbells to their repertoire.
Whether they are making a joyful noise, learning to harmonize, ringing handbells, or simply discovering the joy of music, our young choristers are learning that worship can be both meaningful as well as fun.
Vacation Bible School
VBS is a favorite time of year at St. Dunstan’s, and our volunteers who are young at heart love to lend a hand during this special week. Ministering to our children, grandchildren, and neighborhood friends is especially joyful, and there are jobs both big and small that need a caring heart and willing hands.
Whether you enjoy leading activities, helping with crafts, sharing a snack, keeping an eye on the kids, or simply being an encouraging presence, there is a place for you at VBS. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love, make lasting memories, and perhaps rediscover a little of your own childhood joy along the way!
Special Events
Throughout the church year, there are plenty of fun and meaningful events for our children where an extra helping hand is always appreciated. Breakfast with St. Nicholas, the Nativity Pageant, Pancake Supper crafts, Thomas Sunday Easter celebration, and many other special events all depend on volunteers to help make them happen.
These are wonderful opportunities to share your time and talents, create special memories with our children, and be part of the fun. You don’t have to make a year-long commitment—even lending a hand for one event can make a big difference!
Safeguarding God’s Children
Of course, safety comes first! All volunteers who work with children and youth are required to complete Safeguarding God’s Children, an online child-safety training program produced by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Once you are in the system, your training is valid for five years before an update is required. It’s a straightforward process and an important way we ensure that St. Dunstan’s remains a safe, welcoming, and nurturing place for all our children and youth.
Volunteer Now
So, what does it take to “be God” to a child? Maybe it’s teaching, singing, helping at VBS, lending a hand at an event, or simply showing up with a willing heart. Everything you have experienced in life has prepared you to become a volunteer.
There are many ways to share God’s love with the children of St. Dunstan’s, and there’s a place for everyone. Sign up to volunteer at our Ministries in Bloom event or contact me at with any questions you may have. Come join us in helping our children discover God—and perhaps discover a little more of God yourself along the way!
Angela Stengl
