Kids in Worship

More important to us than any kids’ program is that our kids know how important they are and how capable they are of participating in church. We want every kid to know they have a role to play, whether that’s serving communion, being a baptism buddy, coloring a picture for the bulletin cover, collecting noisy offering, or baking communion bread at home, there’s a role and a place for all!

  • Kids and Youth are part of Grace Lutheran's community, and you bring gifts, skills, and interests that help us all live out Christ's love. Please fill out this form so we know how you are interested in helping us create church together! (Your parent can help fill it out if you'd like)

  • Children of all ages are invited forward for a short message with one of our leaders.

  • [September to May]
    Following Children’s Time in worship, kids are invited to leave the sanctuary for Kids Connect. This 15-minute block of time provides a Bible story and activity for our kids, while giving parents the gift of uninterrupted time. Kids will return to worship so that they can participate in communion and the sending. (Children under the age of 4 are welcome to join Kids Connect but must be accompanied by a parent/adult.) 

  • Children are invited to come forward with their families for Communion to receive the bread and wine/grape juice or for a blessing. For a blessing, we invite kids to cross their hands over their chests to indicate a blessing rather than the communion elements.

  • Children’s bulletins are for readers and non-readers and help kids engage with the worship service. These can be picked up as you enter the worship space. Just inside the entrance to worship is a book cart and bins where children can select a variety of quiet manipulatives to take to their seats.

  • Prayground (front) Kids are often more engaged when they can see what’s going on and families are invited to the area near the waterfall baptismal font where there are small tables, chairs, and quiet toys. If you would like to read more about the origins and preparations for the Prayground, read here!

    Prayground (Koinonia Gallery) – just behind the sliding glass doors at the back of the worship space is an additional area for families to choose. While sounds that children make are most welcome in the Sanctuary, we recognize that concerns about disturbing others can hinder parents’ ability to focus on worship and this space was created with sound piped in so families can both see, hear, and participate in worship while children play freely. We also have an area of the gallery where older kids can move, create, or simply take a break.

  • Our Nursery area is open during Worship for parents to use, if needed.

  • Kids of all ages are invited to walk around with small pots to collect coins to throw in a large pot during the Generosity Moment (paper money, even though not noisy, is welcome, too)! Collections benefit our neighbors who need a helping hand (a new organization every quarter).

How can you help welcome families with young children in worship?

  • Greet and learn the names of the young children who sit near you in worship 

  • Offering to read or color with one child during worship, especially if another child in the family is especially fussy or upset 

  • Helping preschoolers and elementary-aged kids to navigate the liturgy, locate the hymns, etc. (Children learn to worship by participating!) 

  • Inviting kids to serve alongside you in worship, as greeters, ushers, etc.