Our Children, Youth & Family ministry team offers Christian formation through a faith-enriching curriculum and community-building events. Our staff works collaboratively with parishioners to nurture faith journeys from preschool through high school graduation. We welcome all – whether long-tenured or brand-new to the parish – to join these programs. We send a monthly email with information on children, youth & family ministries. If you would like to subscribe, please contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
The Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail, Priest for Children, Youth & Families
To sign up your child for any of the children and youth offerings, please click here.
Children are welcome in any of our worship services on both campuses. Our Early Church service at 9:15a on the Windsor campus is designed with special attention to children ages eight years and younger. The service is shorter in duration and includes a brief sermon intended for children and adults.
Children and families are an integral part of the Hill. Nursery care is provided during the 10:30a service. Families who prefer to stay together in the service are invited to take advantage of the “Pray Ground” play and crawl area in the back of the sanctuary, as desired.
Children and families are invited to learn more about Christian faith through a child-centered Bible program that includes a story and activities intended to engage big questions, teach life lessons, and foster joyful curiosity. Sunday School is immediately followed by a brief children’s chapel service offered during the first half of the 10:30 service. Children are invited to participate in one or both programs.
Nursery care is provided for our youngest members (under 3 years old) every Sunday during the 10:30a services on both campuses. In a warm and nurturing environment, we will assist you in beginning to build your child’s faith foundation from the ground up. Children can be picked up at any time. We look forward to greeting you and your children for nursery care!
Our Godly Play program is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance for children 3 years old (potty trained) through 2nd grade. Every Sunday children gather to learn about the Bible and explore God’s expansive presence and unconditional love for them. Check-in begins at 10:15a with Godly Play lessons starting at 10:30a. Pick up children at the Peace so they can join you for Holy Communion. For more information, please contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
Kids in 3rd-5th grades are encouraged to join with their friends every Sunday morning for a Bible Study that is fun and informative. Building on the foundation kids receive in our Godly Play program, this Bible Study is intended to help late-elementary kids develop biblical literacy and a vocabulary of faith alongside their peers. For more information, please contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
Youth in 6th-12th grades are invited to come join us for a time of food, games, and Jesus! We will begin by eating a meal together from 12:00p–12:30p, then will enjoy a time of fellowship as we play together and spend time learning about God. For more information, contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
The Children’s Choir aims to foster a love of singing, musical skills to enjoy for a lifetime, and will feature performances in our worship services throughout the year. Children’s Choir is open to children in Kindergarten – 5th grades with no prior choir experience necessary. For more information, please contact our new Children’s Choir Director, Kellie Brewer.
Confirmation is for students in 9th grade and up who are ready to make a mature and public declaration of their faith. This entails a commitment to participation in the life of the church, including regular attendance at worship, service to the church, and an overall interest in deepening their connection to God. To register by April 23, click HERE. For more information, contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
Each summer our Windsor campus hosts a week-long Shepherd Camp (vacation bible school). Each camper’s day begins with worship, lively music, and program, before rotations by groups through a variety of theme-based activities. We rely on the creativity and energy of our adult and youth volunteers–please join the fun next year from June 23-27, 2025. For more information, please contact Caroline Goehring and Meredith Spears.
Coinciding with Shepherd Camp, our week-long Edge Camp begins each day on our Windsor Campus. Edge participants then leave the campus to participate together in team building and outreach-focused activities with our ministry partners around Austin. For more information, contact
the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
Rising 9th grade – graduated seniors are invited to join the Good Shepherd High School Youth Group for a pilgrimage to our nation’s capitol. On the itinerary – touring monuments and museums, serving our neighbors in DC, and worshiping at the Washington National Cathedral. We will use our experiences in DC to reflect on what it means to be Christians who “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being” (The Book of Common Prayer, Holy Baptism, 305). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen friendships with other Good Shepherd youth, have tons of fun, and deepen your faith in Christ. For more information or to indicate your interest please contact the Rev. Jonathan McManus-Dail.
