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Why Children in Worship?
John
Westerhoff, a leading educator in the Episcopal Church believes that children
are necessary in worship.
Westerhoff
believes that faith is "caught" not "taught" and what
better way for children to know what faith is all about than to be a full
part of the community.
When
a child is baptized in our midst and made a member of the church of Christ,
the adults of the congregation promise to be active in nurturing that child's
faith. We need to work together to nurture our children in their faith and to
be nurtured by them in return.
Children
give us the gift of trust and a fresh point of view; adults can share the
gift of acceptance, experience and the wisdom of the church through the ages.
May we Suggest:
Relax! God
put the wiggle in children … don't feel you have to suppress it in God's
house.
Use a gentle touch: an
arm around your child's shoulder, your hand in his/hers to give reassurance
and appropriate attention.
Explain quietly the
parts of the service.
Help your child find
the pages in the prayer book. It is okay if they stand on the pew to see and
sing.
Do not be distressed if
your child does not find the proper page.
Sing the
hymns, pray and voice the responses. Children learn good
behavior in church by copying yours.
Always remember that
the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond
to church, God and Christ. Let them know that they are at home in this
liturgy of praise and thanksgiving.
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