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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.
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We offer activity packets for all children who join us for worship. Children are welcome to participate in the celebration of communion.
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Children are enriched by the beauty of music and 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. |
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 the Christian community from which they can draw as they grow older.
Tips for 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.
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!