Kids in Worship

At Hope Church We Worship God Together!

Sunday Worship is at the center of our community; it is what brings us together with each other and with God. At Hope Church we involve our children in worship as much as possible. This allows them to experience worship and get to know our traditions and rituals. They learn how to pray, sing, and listen, and how to be reverently alive in God’s presence. It also allows them to minister to the rest of the congregation with their presence, their thoughts and prayers, and their incredible sense of wonder.

We All Start We All Start Together

The children start their church day in the Sanctuary for the first 10-15 minutes of worship. They get to pray, sing a hymn, and join in the passing of the peace before they all come to the front of the room for the “Children’s Message.” This message is geared specifically to them and is usually led by Christian Education Minister Holly Jackson.

Sunday School

All children age 12 and under go downstairs for Sunday School on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Childcare is available for ages 6 and under every week at this point in the service. We feel it is important for the older children to join us for worship the other Sundays of the month. This allows them to get a better sense of the entire scope of the worship service. Teens and other youths are encouraged to stay upstairs throughout the worship service to be a full participant in the congregation.

Communion

We celebrate communion as a community on the first Sunday of the month as part of our worship service. All children return from Sunday School to be with their families. It is the discretion of the parents whether or not they would like their children to take communion. At Hope Church, we have no designated age for first communion, though we do try to incorporate education about communion as part of our Sunday School program for all ages. Though it can be difficult for a child to understand the entire ritual, after a few times they seem to understand the gravity and joy connected with our sharing this meal together. If you have any questions or concerns or would like help in educating your child about communion please talk to Holly. The UCC website also has great resources available for parents.

Participating in Worship

Occasionally, the entire Sunday School will put on a skit or play for the congregation. This replaces the sermon for that service. These

are incredibly special times for the children, as they get to share God’s message with the congregation. Children are also involved in other ways, like lighting the candles before service, reading scripture, giving testimony, presenting special offerings, and saying prayers.

But What If They Don’t Behave?

No doubt all parents worry about the disruption their child might cause in worship. We offer activity bags for preschool and elementary school children in the hall outside the sanctuary to help children keep busy and quiet during times when sitting still and silent may be a challenge. But we are a community that loves our children, and you’ll find many people here who understand your fears, sympathize, and help when needed.

Children sometimes provide a blast of innocence, joy, and wonder that truly is God-given. Our children are not our burden, they are filled with the Spirit of God, and if we teach them and give them opportunities to live up to our best expectations, they will teach us things we as adults have long forgotten.

Come and Join Us in Worshipping God Together!