` Church is for Families: Children and the Divine Service

Church is for Families: Children and the Divine Service



Church is for Families: Children and the Divine Service

“I was glad when the said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” —Psalm 122:1

Dear Parents:

We are delighted that you choose to worship at Messiah Lutheran Church as a family. There are great benefits for a family that gathers together to hear God’s Word.

We also realize that the Divine Service puts strains on young children. Here are some ways Messiah has chosen to help make worship more enjoyable for the whole family:

·We supply special bulletins for children to color and learn from that relate to the Bible readings for the day.

·   We also encourage you to come to communion as a family. A short blessing will be spoken over each child.

We are pleased when children participate in the service. For younger children it may be saying “amen” or “alleluia.” For older children it may mean helping them follow along in the hymnal. The more they feel a part of what is going on the happier they’ll be.

At the opening of each Sunday School, the pastor spends a few minutes applying the sermon to the children, and also helping them to learn the music and motions of the service.

Here are some tips for parents to use before, during and after worship. Not all of these may be appropriate to the age of your child, but it’s a start!

BEFORE WORSHIP
  • Pray for yourself and your child.

·    Prepare a special “church bag” that contains items used only during worship services. Soft items, Bible storybooks, and children’s songs are just a few suggestions.

·         Consider bringing a water “sippie” for drinks during church. You may also wish to consider a “safe snack”, such as Cheerios, raisins, or something else that is not messy.

·         Check with the church office about books or other resources for during church.

·         Look at the various parts of the church. Tell children the names of pieces of furniture and how they are used.

·         Look at the symbols in the banners, paraments and windows. Explain that they are pictures that tell us about God.

·         Find all the crosses in the church. Tell your child the cross reminds us of God’s love for us.

·         Speak positively about going to church during the week.

·         Prepare an offering for your child to place in the offering plate. Tell your child that this is a gift for Jesus.

·         Get a drink and visit the restroom before entering church.

DURING THE SERVICE

·         Sit where your child can see the Pastor lead the service. It takes practice, but if children can see what is happening, they will be much more likely to participate.

·         Be consistent in your expectations and routines. Allow your child to sit in such a way that he or she is comfortable.

·         When discipline is necessary, do it in a kind, firm manner. Going to church should not be associated with an angry, painful experience.

·         Let your child participate as fully as he or she is able. This may mean point to the words of the hymn as you sing, helping them to find the right place in the hymnal or merely standing and sitting when appropriate.

·         Put your arm warmly around your child and tell him or her what is happening in the service. Make church a warm, loving place to be.

ABOUT THE NURSERY

During the Divine Service Messiah Lutheran Church offers nursery care for children up to toddler age. It is our hope that you will make use of the nursery, as it is appropriate for your family. You may also wish to consider volunteering for the nursery yourself.

AFTER THE SERVICE

·         Help your child to clean up any messes made during the service. This will help them to learn that we are to take care of God’s house.

·         Greet Pastor at the door. Let your child hear you say occasionally, “Thank you for the message.” Encourage your child to greet Pastor.

·         On the way home make positive remarks about the service. Discuss the sermon, or sing part of a hymn.

·         As you tuck your child into bed, recall that God loves us very much. You might even repeat a theme or Bible verse from the service.

·         Have your child draw a picture to take to church for Pastor. Pastors enjoy receiving pictures from children, and it gives your children a sense of belonging.

We hope these ideas will help to make worship more enjoyable for your family. If you have any other ideas that you have found helpful in making worship more enjoyable and meaningful for your family, please let Pastor Peperkorn know and he will share the word with others.

Worship is not a time of entertainment. It is an hour to take each week to praise God and meditate on His Word. As we teach our children to participate in the service, we are passing on “the faith once delivered to the saints.” God bless your family!

                        —Pastor Todd Peperkorn
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This page was created on 02/08/2007 and last edited on: 02/08/2007
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