Dear parents of young children...

Relax! God put the wiggle in kids, so please don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. We love the sounds of children and believe that a church without any kid noise is a sad place. We are all welcome just as we are. Here are a few suggestions to help your little ones get the most out of worship:

• Try sitting toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on.

• Quietly explain the parts of the service and the actions of the minister, lay helpers, choir, etc.

• Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn worship behavior by copying you.

• If you have to leave the service with your child for some reason, feel free to do so, but please come back.  Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”

• We have busy bags and fidget toys in the narthex outside the sanctuary if you would like to take those into service with you. It’s okay if you don’t though.

• Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t lose heart. We love kids, and the way church works (like all sorts of important learning) is by seeping into them. They might seem bored or like they aren’t paying attention, but the liturgy and the rhythm and sense of community works its way into them. They learn how to do church by being in church. It is okay that they don’t know it now.

• Remember: The way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Let them know they are loved and at home in this house of worship.

And a reminder to other grown-ups in worship:

• The presence of children is a gift to the Church and a reminder that our congregation is alive. .

• Welcome those children among us and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.

• Get to know the kids and their parents.

• Remember: The way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to church, to God, and to one another.  Let them know that they are loved and at home in this house of worship.