To Those With Young Children
"Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me ...." Luke 9:48
Why Children Belong in Worship
We believe that children belong in worship, because faith is "caught" not "taught." What better way for children to know what faith is all about than to be a full part of a faith community.
Children give adults the gifts of trust, awe, and new viewpoints. Adults share wisdom, experience and acceptance.
If you feel that your young child is not ready to be in the sanctuary, we have a nursery where professional staff care for infants and toddlers. Learn more about options for children in worship on Our Worship Experience page.
May We Suggest
- Relax! God put the wiggle in children—don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house
- Encourage your child to participate in the Time with Children and to use the worship bags which are available in the back of the sanctuary.
-Children learn good behavior in church by copying yours. Sing the hymns, pray, voice the responses.
- Use gentle touch: an arm around your child’s shoulder, you hand in his/hers to give reassurance and appropriate attention.
- Explain quietly the parts of the service.
- Sit close to the front – it’s more interesting!
- Help your child find the pages in the hymnal and Bible.
- Always remember that the way we welcome children in the church directly affects the way they respond to church, God and Christ. Let them know they are at home in this service of praise, thanksgiving and sacrament.
