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Children's Worship I & II
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Children ages 4 - 1st grade are given the opportunity to worship through the Children's Worship program. Children's Worship offers a way of learning that challenges our children to experience the Bible through storytelling, using a "hands-on" approach. The stories are told using figures made of wood and other materials to make the stories of God come to life. The goal of this curriculum is not only to teach a story, but also to engage children in the act of worship. Trained leaders from our congregation will direct sessions each week as we encounter the great stories of the church year. Children are welcome to remain in the sanctuary for the entire worship service or they may be dismissed at the conclusion of the Time with the Young Church, to go to Children's Worship.
During our 8:30 service the four year olds through 1st graders will worship together in room #212. A volunteer will bring the Kindergarten and 1st graders back to the sanctuary after their Bible story. During our 11:00 service, our four and five year olds will participate in Children's Worship I in Room 212, while our Kindergarten and 1st graders will be invited to be part of the Children's Worship II in Room 214. The Kindergarten and 1st graders enter back into the sanctuary during the reciting of the Apostles' creed.
Suggestions for Young Children in Worship
- Discuss Worship before the service to help prepare your child. If your child is 4 years old – 1st grade they may attend one of the Children’s Worship programs. Make sure they know when they will be leaving the service and where they will be going. If they are in Kindergarten and 1st grade they will return to the service, talk about the elements of worship that will be happening when they return (offering, communion, etc.). Please sit near the outer aisles so your child can return to their seat by the outer aisles.
- Review the scripture lesson and church season at home. (can be found in the newsletter)
- Bring a children’s Bible story book or stop by the Children’s Library (room 210).
- Bring colored pencils or crayons for drawing in the Children’s Bulletin.
- Those children that read should be helped to follow the Order of Worship in the regular bulletin.
- Mark the hymns and follow along with your finger. Even if a non-reader, let your child stand and stretch during the hymns and prayers.
- Sit near the front to provide a better view of chancel.
- Bring coins to put in the 5 Cents A Meal envelopes that are in the pews or bring their own tithe envelope which can be obtained from the church office.
- Give cues as to what is about to happen in worship. Answer questions that need an answer right away in a quiet whisper.
- Express your gladness at having children in worship.
- Help your child Pass the Peace to all those around them.
- Help your child memorize The Reading of the Law and The Lord’s Prayer.
- Encourage your child to respond with “And also with you”, “Hear our prayer” and “It is right to give our thanks and praise”.
- If your child is unhappy and/or needs a break from the worship service we encourage you to utilize the Adult Library or Narthex where you can continue to worship using the sanctuary audio that is piped into both areas.
- Talk about the service after it is over. Use your lunch time to talk about ideas shared in worship and give children the opportunity to reflect their experience.
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