Children in Worship

We believe that children are an important part of our worshipping community and welcome the attendance and participation of children of all ages in all of our worship services.
Worship is God-centered praise and adoration.  The church’s worship service is one basic way by which people learn what it means to be a follower of Christ. Through shared worship with their church family, children come to know that they belong to Christ and are welcome in Christ’s church. Through congregational worship, children build a fund of memorable, shared experiences of Christian community from which they can draw as they grow older.
Children are enriched by the beauty of music and art expressions of praise and as human responses to the love and goodness of God. Children hear Bible stories read and interpreted; and they begin to see worship as one place where God may speak to them. They witness baptisms and communion and are given tangible reminders of God’s kindness and care for God’s children.
Children discover that they are valued as persons by God and God’s people at church. Bringing children to worship may not always be easy, but it is an essential part of their growth toward Christ.

How We Worship

Sunday morning worship is held at 10:30 am in the sanctuary.  The atmosphere is relaxed, comfortable and friendly. During the school year, children are invited forward on non-communion Sundays for their own special time in God’s Word with Miss Jess or Pastor Cathie. Baptized children are welcome to participate in the celebration of communion, at their parents’ discretion, and when they can come with “an age appropriate understanding of the meaning of the sacrament.” If you have questions about whether or not your child is ready, Pastor Cathie is glad to talk to you.
Special worship services are held throughout the church year for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Christmas Eve.

Helping Children Worship

Children come to worship with a growing curiosity about everything about them.  Their worship experience will be one of discovery.  Very young children have a limited attention span and unlimited energy.  This combination can make little ones wiggly.  Older children can get frustrated when they don’t understand what is being said, or what is happening.  This can make them restless.  When a child is wiggly or restless, parents may fear that they are distracting others around them.  While other worshipers will be very understanding and parents need not worry, there are several things parents can do to help make their child’s experience, and their own, more relaxed and worshipful.

• Begin preparing for worship the night before.  Lay out clothes, pack a bag with needed items, make sure children know tomorrow is Sunday so they are not surprised by a change in schedule in the morning, and make sure children get a good night sleep.  As you awaken in the morning, play praise music to help set the mood and tone for the morning.
• Allow young children to bring a stuffed  animal or other familiar item with them to worship.
• When you arrive for worship, sit near the front of the worship space so children can clearly see what is happening.
• Help children follow along with songs, prayers and readings in the bulletin, hymnal, or on the screen.
• Remember that children learn to worship by watching parents actively participate in and enjoy worship...worship with your whole heart...worship is caught more than taught!​