<!-- Alternate content for non-supporting browsers --> <table width="570" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td> </td> <td valign="top"><p><br> <img src="images/childrenchurch_text.gif" width="193" height="22"><br> <br> </p></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="4%"> </td> <td valign="top"><p align="left"><br> We are called to worship together-all ages together in liturgy (which means the work of the people). Children add richness to the community gathered at worship. They bring new ways of seeing old familiar rituals; they show a unique understanding of the wonder and mystery of the sacraments; and they have a fascinating way of taking nothing for granted. Their presence is essential to the vitality and growth of this church. Only by being welcome at our most sacred moments can children understand that nothing can separate us from the love of God. It is through our worship service that children can come to know God and not just know about God. Only by worshipping together with its children can this community pass on its traditions for praising God through the Sacraments, music, hearing the Word, and prayers. (In their messiness, children offer the worshipping community the possibility of tolerance for the inabilities and disabilities we all bring to Christ's table.) </p> <p>How can we as parents and other interested adults help our children come to understand and participate in the Eucharist, our central worship service? What are the chances of sitting with our kids without hearing "boring" a dozen times on Sunday morning? Is it possible to increase attention and reduce noise? For parents of young children, it seems a daunting task to keep little ones engaged in the liturgy. Here are some tips: </p> <p>Arrive early to get a good seat, preferably in front where children can see the liturgical action and feel included in the congregation. </p> <p>Before the service begins, once you have found your seats, you can quietly talk or walk a bit with your child, pointing out our many symbols and other features of the nave. Many families encourage a moment of silent prayer to collect one's thoughts before the liturgy. </p> <p>Share your service bulletin, Prayer Book, and Hymnal with young readers and help them follow along. Even the youngest like to hold the book like Mom and Dad. New readers will be pleased when they discover a phrase or response they already know by heart. </p> <p>Follow the lessons printed in full in the bulletin as the lector reads them. </p> <p>Each child has a voice. Help your children find theirs. If you have a piano or other instrument at home, pick out some tunes with your kids ahead of time. Children like finding the appointed hymns in the hymnal, and feel encouraged when the song is familiar. </p> <p>Speak to your children in a whisper, close to their ears - they just may copy you by responding in the same way. It helps everyone when you are clear about the behavior you expect in church, especially when stated in a positive way ("We all stand when we sing." "This is the quiet time; you can talk after the next song.") TIP: Save the Children's Bulletins and books for the quiet times of the service. </p> <p>Be realistic about limits. Little ones cannot be expected to sit still all the time. However, children in elementary grades are old enough to participate in the liturgy with your help. Take time at home to memorize some common prayers and responses to help these young church members feel included. Talk about the confusing parts of the liturgy and explain which parts speak to you. </p> <p>Sometimes, despite our best efforts, children can bother those around them. Please do not feel embarrassed if you need to take your child out of the service for a few moments. You can listen to the service in the new narthex (vestibule at the back of the nave) and return when your youngster seems calmer. When you are attending to your young child's needs, you are still part of our community. </p> <p>Children belong in church. They are part of this parish family and we share responsibility for nurturing their spiritual life. We embraced this role at their baptism. They will thrive with our loving acceptance of them as partners in the faith of Jesus Christ, and we will benefit from their perspective and glimpse of the Kingdom. </p> <p align="left"><b> </b></p> <p align="center"> </p></td> </tr> </table>
© Copyright 2005 All Saints' Episcopal Church and Day School
All Rights Reserved
Designed by First Web Inc.
