Faith Formation Across Generations

This Lenten season, instead of thinking what you want to ‘give up’ as a sacrifice, what might you ‘give up’ (or do less of) in order to spend more quality time with the people you love?

A printable companion (one page, doublesided) is available by clicking here.

Not sure where to start?

Worship Together - Find out why here

Move Together

Serve Together

Learn & Play Together

Eat Together - Find out why here

  • Maundy Thursday Dinner & Service March 28th @Grace Lutheran

  • 2 Media-Free Meals per week

 

Worshiping with Children

Why worship with children? The way we welcome children affects their response to church, and impacts how they come to understand God and Christ. We strive to find ways for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy our time of prayer, praise, learning, and thanksgiving.

♥ Show that worship is important to you. Children learn by observing your example. Worshiping with your children - whether online or in person - is the best way to help them develop a meaningful faith life. Worshiping with little ones might not be relaxing, but they’ll see you and learn that you take your faith seriously.

♥ Participate in worship. Sing the hymns (the Bible says ‘make a joyful noise’ so it’s OK if you don’t sing well), pray along, speak the responses, avoid other distractions, etc. Your children will learn how to be a part of the church community from your example.

♥ Worship services are designed with children in mind with interactive responses, short sections with music in between, and a specific message for them that helps give context to the service as a whole.

♥ Allow them to learn and grow in whatever way works best for them. Some pay attention while coloring, others stay calmer when their fingers are working. Play boxes are available on the back pew and can be swapped during the service.

♥ Your children may not seem to pay attention to worship. That’s OK - they’re likely hearing more than you imagine. A seat up front helps them see everything that’s going on and can keep them more engaged.

♥ After service is over, talk about the scripture, read the story that night from a Children’s Bible, ask questions about what they heard or learned or saw. Children learn through repetition (and adults do, too!).

♥ Remember that Jesus told his followers to learn from children. Kids are sometimes loud, sometimes wiggly, sometimes inquisitive - and we love them just the way God made them!