"Faithformation" Starts With Baptism | Why Do We Worship? | "Let the Children Come... Preparing for Sunday | Gathering the Supplies | Setting Expectations
In the Pew | Journal Activities | Go in Peace, Serve the Lord
Click here to download a PDF of the "Children and Worship" brochure
“Faithformation” Starts with Baptism
When you decide to have your infant baptized, you are making a commitment to raise your child within a community of faith. In Holy Baptism using The Lutheran Book of Worship, you promise to: “faithfully bring them to the services of God’s house, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed and the Ten Commandments, place into their hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith, that…they may lead a godly life (LBW Page 121)." We, as the church, promise to provide the resources necessary for you to keep those Baptismal vows.
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Why Do We Worship?
Worship is the primary way we encounter God. We see God in the faces of the congregation. We hear God in the Word of the Scriptures, sermon and liturgy. We feel God in the passing of the peace. We taste God in Communion; and we respond to God’s great love in our participation. Nothing can substitute for the experience of worship. For the health of your child’s faith, statistics show that if you only have one hour per week to spend at church, it is most effective to spend it together as a family in worship rather than in separate activities.
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“Let the children come…”
Our children have the need and ability to worship God, and that worship involves more than just “getting through” the service. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them.” He took them in his arms and blessed them. Worship is a time for Jesus and his children to be close to each other. A child’s faith is nurtured and expressed during this precious hour. So it’s important to be very intentional about helping our children worship on a Sunday morning.
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Preparing for Sunday
It’s not unusual for children to wonder why they should participate in worship. Sometime during your family devotion time, you might want to discuss why we worship.
Some discussion starters
God is worthy of our worship. God gives us everything we are, everything we have – worship is our chance to give back to God.
Family worship is important to us as a family and to God
Discuss the parts of worship, the Gathering, the Word, the Meal and the Sending. Talk about everyone’s favorite. What makes that part special?
Remember, not everything is fun for your child. The purpose of worship is not to entertain the congregation, but to worship God. Let your children know that you want to help them to understand the service and to help them fully worship God.
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Gathering the Supplies
Entering the sanctuary prepared can make all the difference to your child. While we do have children’s bags with paper, pencils, crayons and books, you might want to consider putting together your own “family worship bag” to bring when you worship.Some possible items to include:
- Crayons or pencils
- Blank paper or a Journal
- Chenille stems for simple sculptures
- Simple books that can be read by the child – perhaps Bible stories, prayers or something with a spiritual theme.
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Setting Expectations
Too often, we assume our child knows what to do. Then when our child doesn’t behave, we become frustrated. Having a “pre-worship” conversation that covers your expectations is one way to avoid frustration both yours and your child’s. Here are some expectations to consider:
- Stand when God’s people stand
- Sing whenever possible
- Pray with God’s people
- Give during the offering
- Encourage your child to pass the peace
- Use the journal during other times in worship
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In the Pew
Begin by finding a place in the sanctuary where your children can see. If your family sits in the back, it is much harder for you to see what is going on which makes it hard for your children to learn. Also, the sanctuary art in the chancel area helps tell the story of the day and of the season. There are many things for your children to see and explore (with their eyes) in the front.
Let your child help you find the order of worship, the hymn numbers, any other printed material needed for the service. Go through the bulletin as the service progresses to help your child anticipate what is coming. Help your child follow along in the hymns and spoken responses by pointing to texts as it is sung or spoken.
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Journal activities
- Make drawings of the sanctuary and narthex environments
- Draw pictures based on the Scripture readings.
- Write words you hear and like
- Record concerns shared by the congregation
- Write out verses or passages from the Bible
- Illustrate or write anything that connects you with worship
- Illustrate or write your own prayers.
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Go in Peace, Serve the Lord
After worship take time to express your appreciation of your child’s efforts to participate in worship.
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