Sharing the Joy of Worship

Dear Friends,
I've learned some embarrassing things about myself by watching my children play pretend. Whether it's Hope and Malia playing 'house' or Reese playing 'army guys,' I've peered into how they see adult behavior. Usually it's cute and fine and regular; but every now and then something happens in the 'life of pretend,' and I recognize myself when I'm not at my shining best.

I usually feel a little chastened in those moments, but I mostly marvel at a child's impulse to observe, learn, and mimic. Coaches use this impulse to their advantage; so do teachers, music instructors, scout masters and a host of other adults invested in the lives of children.

Of course, in part, that's what we offer in Godly Play: the chance to observe, learn, and internalize the story of God's involvement with and plan for us. It's why having godly and committed volunteers is so important. But the impulse to emulate is also why we take a moment in the summer for Family Worship. Gathering for worship will always be one of the primary marks of Christianity, and it's good and right that we let our children in on it.

Let me encourage you to intentionally bring your children into worship, and to do it with enthusiasm. Let your children see your willingness to worship and to have them there right next to you as they begin to worship too. Embrace the awkward loud whispers, the squirming changing of position, the frantic scratching sound of crayons and pencils. It's all part of worshiping with the whole family of God.

Have a great summer!


P.S. If you're looking for ways to even more intentionally engage your children in the worship service, let me recommend Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman to you. It's filled with solid insight on how to include our children in our experience of congregational worship.

Erik Hanson
Associate Pastor, Children's and Youth Ministries

Worshiping with Children in Godly Play

by Vivian McIlraith

This year I have had the privilege and joy of teaching Godly Play as part of the Children's Ministry Team. The materials and staff support are remarkable. I alternated between being the door person one week and the storyteller the next week. Either way, I got develop a warm friendship with a group of incredible children!

It's great to be the door person. You get to greet and interact with each individual child as they arrive, and help them get ready for Godly Play.

Now imagine the thrill of getting to be the storyteller! It is an amazing adventure of preparation and interaction. As you spend the week immersing yourself in God's Word and the scripted portion of the lesson, you have the opportunity for personal growth and a faith-expanding experience. Learning the order of the lesson is an 'aha' moment as you begin to see the guidance of worship embedded in each lesson.

I have loved taking a fresh look at the 'living stones' we get to lay as part of a foundation for each unique child. Each lesson, like a puzzle piece, fits perfectly into the mystery of that life-giving foundation.

Growing and worshiping together with the children has been the highlight of my year!