Children in Worship FAQ
Why are children encouraged to attend worship?
As a community, we have entered the baptismal covenant of each child, and have promised to support them in their lives of faith. We are called to develop relationships with them, value their gifts, include them in the community, teach them our stories and practices, and help them experience God’s love for them through Christ. All of these things happen in the context of worship, which is the most foundational practice in the Christian life. As we pass on our tradition to future generations, children must be active participants. To quote Melanie C. Gordon, a children’s ministry director with the United Methodist Church:
"What’s been found over time is that when children who are separated out of the worshipping community get to an age to decide for themselves if they want to be a part of worship, they will likely not be a part of worship because it hasn’t been a part of their life. We know enough about brain development of a young child to know they need opportunities to be a part of something, so they see it as an important part of who they are" (1).
We also understand that children and parents have bad days and life circumstances that limit them from attending worship as a family. We seek to provide options, including the Pray-Ground and Nursery, to help meet the needs of families on a given day.
What about older (preschool- and elementary-aged) children?
Preschool- and elementary-aged kids are encouraged to attend the Family Worship service, which aims to be more interactive and engaging for their age level. The service will include conversations among themselves and with their families, singing with actions and instruments, and story-based activities. If children are not enrolled in Sunday School, or there is no Sunday School on that day, “busy-bags” are available near the Pray-Ground which include activities, coloring pages, etc. Children are also encouraged to serve in worship, learn the pattern of the service, and help younger children around them or in the Pray-Ground space (with the parent’s permission!).
How will parents worship if they’re watching their children?
In our recent survey, many expressed concern that its difficult for families with young children to attend worship. They may feel pressured to keep their children quiet and well-behaved, a task which brings embarrassment and distracts parents from their own worship. The Pray-ground is but one resource to help these parents and children; the nursery is also available depending on the needs of families. However, it is up to each of us to “extend God’s grace” and offer hospitality to families with young children. It is ultimately up to the congregation to create a culture of welcome instead of shame and dismissal.
Here are a few ways to support parents and children during worship:
- Greet and learn the names of children sitting near you in worship. Get to know them and let them know that they are important to this community.
- Offer to read or color with a child, especially if you see that another child in the family is fussy or upset. Ask if the parent(s) would appreciate help.
- Help preschool- and elementary-aged kids to participate in the service, by inviting them to serve alongside you (as greeters, ushers), pointing out where we are in the service, etc.
- Recognize that certain conditions or disabilities don’t present physically, and some children (and adults) may act in ways that seem strange or upsetting, but are normal for their situation.
- Celebrate that children are present and worshipping God!
There will be a learning curve in this process, and it may take time for us to figure out how to best serve parents and children in our midst. However, it will be worth it in the long run!
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Carrie Stiles, Pastor Gary Guptill, or Pastor Kristina Hill.
(1) (Crystal Caviness,”Praygrounds encourage little children to come,” Interpreter Magazine, http://www.interpretermagazine.org/topics/praygrounds-encourage-little-children-to-come (accessed July 7, 2017).
As a community, we have entered the baptismal covenant of each child, and have promised to support them in their lives of faith. We are called to develop relationships with them, value their gifts, include them in the community, teach them our stories and practices, and help them experience God’s love for them through Christ. All of these things happen in the context of worship, which is the most foundational practice in the Christian life. As we pass on our tradition to future generations, children must be active participants. To quote Melanie C. Gordon, a children’s ministry director with the United Methodist Church:
"What’s been found over time is that when children who are separated out of the worshipping community get to an age to decide for themselves if they want to be a part of worship, they will likely not be a part of worship because it hasn’t been a part of their life. We know enough about brain development of a young child to know they need opportunities to be a part of something, so they see it as an important part of who they are" (1).
We also understand that children and parents have bad days and life circumstances that limit them from attending worship as a family. We seek to provide options, including the Pray-Ground and Nursery, to help meet the needs of families on a given day.
What about older (preschool- and elementary-aged) children?
Preschool- and elementary-aged kids are encouraged to attend the Family Worship service, which aims to be more interactive and engaging for their age level. The service will include conversations among themselves and with their families, singing with actions and instruments, and story-based activities. If children are not enrolled in Sunday School, or there is no Sunday School on that day, “busy-bags” are available near the Pray-Ground which include activities, coloring pages, etc. Children are also encouraged to serve in worship, learn the pattern of the service, and help younger children around them or in the Pray-Ground space (with the parent’s permission!).
How will parents worship if they’re watching their children?
In our recent survey, many expressed concern that its difficult for families with young children to attend worship. They may feel pressured to keep their children quiet and well-behaved, a task which brings embarrassment and distracts parents from their own worship. The Pray-ground is but one resource to help these parents and children; the nursery is also available depending on the needs of families. However, it is up to each of us to “extend God’s grace” and offer hospitality to families with young children. It is ultimately up to the congregation to create a culture of welcome instead of shame and dismissal.
Here are a few ways to support parents and children during worship:
- Greet and learn the names of children sitting near you in worship. Get to know them and let them know that they are important to this community.
- Offer to read or color with a child, especially if you see that another child in the family is fussy or upset. Ask if the parent(s) would appreciate help.
- Help preschool- and elementary-aged kids to participate in the service, by inviting them to serve alongside you (as greeters, ushers), pointing out where we are in the service, etc.
- Recognize that certain conditions or disabilities don’t present physically, and some children (and adults) may act in ways that seem strange or upsetting, but are normal for their situation.
- Celebrate that children are present and worshipping God!
There will be a learning curve in this process, and it may take time for us to figure out how to best serve parents and children in our midst. However, it will be worth it in the long run!
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Carrie Stiles, Pastor Gary Guptill, or Pastor Kristina Hill.
(1) (Crystal Caviness,”Praygrounds encourage little children to come,” Interpreter Magazine, http://www.interpretermagazine.org/topics/praygrounds-encourage-little-children-to-come (accessed July 7, 2017).
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Glen Cary Lutheran Church
15531 Central Avenue NE Ham Lake, MN 55304 Phone: 763-434-5695 Email: info@glencary.org Summer Office Hours: Monday - Thursday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m - 12 noon Summer Worship Times: Sunday: Summer Worship: 9:30 am Fellowship immediately following Wednesday: Evening Worship returns this fall |
