Children's Ministries

Shelley Byrnes

In 2018, when I interviewed for the position of Family Minister, the first question I was asked was, “Do you know what you’re getting into if you move to Deerfield, IL from Arizona?" I reassured everyone that I went to high school and college in Wisconsin and could deal with the winters once I bought some new clothes. Then, when I saw the Prayground (soft space for children to be children during services) in the church, and the beautiful Upper Room for the youth, I was sold! I could see that St. Gregory’s truly valued families!

I see God in the faces of children and am so blessed to be involved with them as they grow in their faith and mature. Teenagers are some of the most interesting “Children of God” because they grow more at that age than any other in life: physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. It is such a gift to be able to witness that growth and support them as they ask questions such as, “who am I to God?” or “why am I here?”

I have been involved in Christian Formation in various roles from Sunday School Teacher, Camp Counselor, Nursery Coordinator, Youth Group Leader, Social Service Director, Sunday School Administrator, Chalice Players Administrator to Family Minister over the course of 20 years. I have served churches and schools in Washington DC, Denver and Golden CO, and Scottsdale AZ.

I have a certificate in Children and Family Ministries from the Diocese of Arizona and a Certificate in Leadership in Lifelong Christian Formation from Forma and Virginia Theological Seminary. I also have a BA in English from Ripon College (3 credits short of a religion minor) and an AAS in Massage Therapy.

I have two adult daughters who bring me joy and help me laugh at myself! I have a granddog, Athena, who works with me in my office and three kitties: Max, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. As you can tell, I’m a bit of a Harry Potter fanatic. I can’t wait for it to be safe to swim again. I enjoy walking, yoga and movies.