Worship at Southminster Presbyterian Church is a place for people of every age to share in the worship hour. While we believe worship is sacred and central to our identity as Christians, we don’t see it as a time requiring silence and stoicism. God put the wiggle in children (and many adults, too!), and we rejoice in that gift during our worship.
Rather than separating children off into their own classes during worship, we encourage children in 1st grade and older to remain connected and engaged through our worship services. Please stop by the children’s table on the right hand side of our narthex/lobby for various children’s activities, or make good use of our “Prayground” table located in the front of the sanctuary. In both locations, you’ll find children’s worship bulletins with age-appropriate activities matching the day’s scripture passage. Children ages birth through kindergarten are welcome to stay in worship with their families, or utilize our staffed nursery.
Intergenerational services can be important times of spiritual growth for adults and children alike, as they build trusting relationships, practice community ethics and values, and create a safe, familial space in which all can feel a sense of belonging.
Why do we have Intergenerational Worship Services?
- To honor children and youth as integral parts of our church family.
- To include children and youth in the life of the church as a method of teaching community ethics and values.
- To allow busy families a chance to spend meaningful time with their children and to encourage continued conversation and exploration outside of the worship hour.
- To encourage interaction and the building of trust between older and younger members of our church community.
- To give younger members experience participating in our liturgy, so they can understand our rituals, values and norms within worship.
- To help children and youth begin to serve as active members of our church family.
- To give ALL members a place where they feel safe and where they belong!
With that said, we know that sometimes, younger children just need a break! For that reason, we also have a staffed nursery (we call it “The Nest”) located on the second level. The Nest has lots of toys and activities for young children, and is staffed by a paid Childcare Attendant and a team of volunteer caregivers. All of paid and volunteer caregivers are fully background-screened and trained, so they’re able to offer safe and compassionate care for children. (In addition, the Nest has a separate area for parents/guardians to enjoy a cup of coffee with a live video feed of the worship service.)
| Are you a parent or guardian of children and looking for some practical tips and tricks for worshiping together as an intergenerational family of faith? Contact Pastor TJ! |
