St. Mark's Sunday School
"Guiding Children in Worship"

Celebrating Our Faith! Helps for Guiding Children in Worship

The following is a series of articles entitled "Celebrating Our Faith! Helps for Guiding Children in Worship".

This is reprinted from a pamphlet by the same name, published by the Department of Child Ministry, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Worship Is

• Gathering: God calls us to join His people at all times and in all places by - remembering our Baptism as we invoke the name of our triune God - claiming His mercy. - Joining in songs of praise
  
  
• Remembering: God speaks and we listen through - reading the Bible - hearing the sermon, which helps make Jesus' story our story - confessing our faith with all people everywhere who call Jesus Lord.
  
  
• Feasting: Jesus invites us to eat and drink in this uniquely Christian celebration of thanksgiving (Lord's Supper, Communion) - proclaiming His death and resurrection until He comes again - witnessing to our fellowship with Him and with each other.
  
  
• Sending: The Holy Spirit shapes, nurtures, and equips us to go into our world and extend the gift of Jesus to others.

Before Worship

• Talk about expectations on your way to church.
  
  
• Get a drink and visit the rest room before entering the sanctuary.
  
  
• Sit where your child is able to see the altar area.
  
  
• Point out the pulpit, altar, lectern, organ, and communion rail. Discuss how they are used.
  
  
• Look for colors and symbols in the banners, windows, paraments, and other art work. Explain that they are there to remind us of God's love and care.
  
  
• Find all the crosses in the church. Tell your child that the cross reminds us of Jesus.
  
  
• Talk about the people who help during the service and mention the jobs they do (pastor, Scripture reader, ushers, organist, acolyte, etc).

During Worship

• Be consistent in your expectations and routines.
  
  
• Allow your child to sit in a comfortable manner. You may wish to provide a booster chair.
  
  
• If your child wiggles, avoid fretting; adults wiggle, too!
  
  
• Participate joyfully! Your child will model your actions. Don't worry that your child doesn't listen to what you say, know that she watches everything you do.
  
  
• Make church a warm, loving place to be. Discipline in a kind manner. Demonstrate forgiveness.
  
  
• Help your child listen for a key word, such as "Jesus".
  
  
• Explain what is happening as the service unfolds. Answer your child's questions briefly and accurately.
  
  
• Involve your child in the worship service. Sing together. Fold hands for the prayers; stand and sit at appropriate times.

After Worship

• Greet the pastor at the door. Lift your child to be at the pastor's eye level. Encourage your child to shake hands with the pastor.
  
  
• Talk about the worship service by mentioning parts that were especially meaningful to you (the anthem, sermon, a hymn, etc.).
  
  
• Make a praise booklet. Have your child draw pictures that reflect what God has done or things for which your child is thankful. Present the bookto your pastor.
  
  
• Sing hymns or songs together.
  
  
• Read and reflect on Scripture readings together.
  
  
• Pray for the pastor, organist, and others who have led the worship service. Pray for congregation members who were prayed for in the service.