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| Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee Children and Families |
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| Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee Children and Families |
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Children in Worship - Did you know...
- The single most important factor determining whether or not children attend church as an adult is that they attended worship with their family as a child?
- Children learn to worship by worshiping with the congregation Sunday after Sunday?
- Worship is the primary way our Christian faith is formed and expressed?
During worship, we gather as a covenant community to offer praises to God, to hear the Good News of the Gospel and to share our joys and concerns as the Family of God. We believe the Gospel is for persons of all ages and we welcome all to be a part of our worship experience. Support, tolerance and encouragement of children and their parents are ways that members of our faith family fulfill their vows made to children and families during baptism.
Because of the importance of children participating in worship, children in grades 4-6 attend the worship service of their choice with their families. Children ages four through third grade may attend Godly Play worship.
If you are interested in ways to increase children's participation in worship, I encourage you to read Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman. Copies of this book are available for loan in my office. Children's Council is committed to providing encouragement and resources to families, children and our congregation as people of all ages worship together!
There are several things parents and the congregation can do to help children participate fully in worship.
- Prepare for worship before you ever leave the house. Set clothes out the night before, eat a light breakfast (bagels or toast), listen to Christian radio and sing hymns or favorite Christian songs as you ride to church.
- Bring your Bible and have your child bring his or hers to church.
- Sit on the front row or very close to the front. Your whole family will find you participate more fully when you are up front! We're encouraging ALL families with children to sit near the front of the church. That way you can encourage one another as you help your children worship.
- Review the church bulletin with your child. Mark the hymns and Scripture verses.
- Encourage your child to participate - standing, praying, singing with the congregation.
If you are interested in ways to increase children's participation in worship, I encourage you to read Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman. I have a few extra copies available for loan. Children's Council is committed to providing encouragement and resources to families, children and congregation as we make this transition.
Please welcome these young people as part of our worshiping community.
Jaymie Derden, Director of Christian Education