Children in Worship

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.

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

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.

The Nursery is also available for infants through age 3 as an option for parents. The nursery is staffed by a background-checked adult and helpers in confirmation (middle school aged) or high school.

Following the Children’s Message in worship, children are invited to gather outside the Sanctuary for Kids Connect, which is an age-level Bible story and learning activity. Kids Connect will return to the Sanctuary during the Hymn of the Day so that kids can participate in the remainder of the service - the prayers, communion, and sending. (Children under the age of 4 need to be accompanied by a parent/grandparent.)

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.

Kids of all ages are invited forward with coins to throw in a large pot during the Generosity Moment (paper money, even though not noisy, is welcome, too)!