Palmer Hall lays an important foundation

A loving introduction, a solid foundation

The Sunday service in Palmer Hall

In late summer, I transitioned into leadership of our many children’s ministries here at St. Stephen’s Church. Each of these offerings—Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our new baby blessings, Holy Baptism, and more—are a joy to shepherd, and none more so than the 9:00 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist which takes place in Palmer Hall Chapel— St. Stephen’s first church building—each Sunday (we often refer to this service as “Palmer Hall,” to distinguish it from the parallel worship taking place in the church).

Palmer Hall is so many things: a riot, joyful, evolving, the best part of my week. It isn’t what some churches call “children’s church.” While it is particularly suited for the youngest in our community, it welcomes people of all ages, including parents and grandparents. (Some adults who do not have young children enjoy this service!) The scripture, prayers, and music of Palmer Hall are all informed directly by the principles of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which recognizes that children are already in touch with God in their deepest being and teaches children (and adults!) how to wonder at this world. In Palmer Hall, we practice wondering together, and I have learned something new about this act from the children who attend the service: that wonder is deeply connected to awe and curiosity and courage.

Marshall Burke, a parent of a child who once participated in Palmer Hall worship, shares:

I recently heard Swin Cash’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech. She was talking about her life and giving advice to young athletes and said: “You’re never chasing perfection. You’re learning how to form great habits.” I realized then that we can apply that quote to what we do, or hope to do, as parents. We are not, or hope to not be, pushing our children to achieve perfection. Rather, we are, or hope to be, helping them to learn to form great habits. The best place at St. Stephen’s to help young children learn to form great habits is Palmer Hall.

Although my youngest child “graduated” from Palmer Hall pre-COVID, I often felt sorry for parents of young children who were missing out on such a treasure during the COVID shutdown. In addition to serving as a non-intimidating introduction to the church for many children and parents of young children, and as a reconnection to the church for people returning with their young children, Palmer Hall provides opportunities for parents to help their children learn to form great habits beyond the habit of attending church on a regular basis. All of the ushers, acolytes and choir members are children. The children serving in these roles are learning to serve (in front of a sea of faces) before they are old enough to be self-conscious, or old enough to choose not to serve. Their service in Palmer Hall is a foundation. When they “graduate” from Palmer Hall, it is natural for them to continue to serve in similar roles in “big” church and to then carry forth the habit of serving into their communities throughout their lives.

By the Rev. Cate Anthony

In Palmer Hall, our greatest habit is wonder. Come join us one Sunday, and discover a whole new way of seeing things for yourself.

All St. Stephen’s clergy celebrate in Palmer Hall, as in the main church, though the Rev. Cate Anthony has primary responsibility for this community within a community. Here, the Rev. John Rohrs, rector, serves Communion with Cate.