Dear friends,
At our congregational meeting last month, we spent a few minutes reflecting on our Lenten theme, “Connecting Generations.” Many folks talked about the gifts we received during that season:
- Moving stories told in our daily devotional;
- Pew Partnerships that helped adults and children get to know each other;
- our Confirmands sharing in worship leadership with their mentors;
- moving the anthem so our young people can hear it before going to Church School
- New cubbies in the narthex with activity boxes;
- Fun intergenerational meals and trivia game.
We also talked about how to include our young people more fully in worship. We acknowledged the challenge of creating intergenerational worship experiences that are engaging and meaningful for people of all ages. We talked about how hard it can be for parents who worry their children are making too much noise. We recognized the need to find the right balance: a relaxed atmosphere where children feel at home balanced with enough structure and guidance that they can participate in meaningful ways.
From our conversation, one of our parents, also a member of the Board of Christian Education, wrote some words of welcome for families with children. The board talked about using these words in a variety of ways. Some of them might be included in Welcome and Announcements, some might be in the bulletin or on pew cards or in a tri-fold given to families as they come in, and all of them could be posted on the wall by the cubbies in the narthex. We will experiment with how to best use them.
Here are the words she wrote:
The sound of children’s voices is the sound of a living church! We want children to learn and question alongside adults, and we welcome whispers, wiggles, and joyful noises of all kinds.
Parents, we know that all children have different needs, so if you need to step out, please know that we want you to return. Feel free to have your children sit with you for as much of the service as you would like. We have a loving and trained nursery staff for our youngest children available at any time. We invite children to use the quiet activity boxes in the back, participate in the Words with the Young People, and attend Sunday School. One of our helpful ushers can direct you to any of these resources.
I look forward to our on-going efforts to strengthen our intergenerational connections and worship together.
Peace, Debbie