WORSHIP LIFE
Video Children's Story
One of the professional challenges of ministry is to to assure the congregation is a safe, welcoming and inspirational environment for people of all ages. One of the personal challenges and joys has involved figuring out how best to get to know and serve the children and youth - helping them and their parents build, claim and express their religious identity and role within the church community and in the wider world.
Ideally congregations recognize the importance of making a commitment to children and youth programming - funding and coordinating a dedicated team of religious exploration/faith development team. But ultimately everyone in the community is responsible for assuring that families are well supported, and that children and youth feel welcomed and inspired by their experiences with the congregation. The UUA has many resources available to help congregations create structures and policies to this end.
At minimum, even if no children are currently enrolled in membership, care should be taken to invite and prepare for the presence of parents with young children at all church functions - coordinating and publicizing the availability of vetted child care providers for toddlers and opportunities for older children to participate meaningfully. Consider which leadership or other volunteer opportunities might be well suited for teens. Poll families to find out what they most need from their church community, and what would help them connect more meaningfully.
Children are always welcome during the worship services I design. Accompanied by parents, they are often invited to ring the bowl for the Call to Worship or to light the chalice. They also pick up the donations of food and personal care items that members bring each Sunday and deposit them in the collection basket before joining me for "Intergenerational Time". During that time (about 5 minutes) I speak with the children about the message of the day, engaging them through questions, stories, the use of props, visual aids and sometimes even magic tricks. Their active participation in the worship service brings a great deal of energy and joy to the service, keeping them excited about attending worship services and helping us all grow in relationship.
Below please find a video clip of one such Sunday with the children:
Ideally congregations recognize the importance of making a commitment to children and youth programming - funding and coordinating a dedicated team of religious exploration/faith development team. But ultimately everyone in the community is responsible for assuring that families are well supported, and that children and youth feel welcomed and inspired by their experiences with the congregation. The UUA has many resources available to help congregations create structures and policies to this end.
At minimum, even if no children are currently enrolled in membership, care should be taken to invite and prepare for the presence of parents with young children at all church functions - coordinating and publicizing the availability of vetted child care providers for toddlers and opportunities for older children to participate meaningfully. Consider which leadership or other volunteer opportunities might be well suited for teens. Poll families to find out what they most need from their church community, and what would help them connect more meaningfully.
Children are always welcome during the worship services I design. Accompanied by parents, they are often invited to ring the bowl for the Call to Worship or to light the chalice. They also pick up the donations of food and personal care items that members bring each Sunday and deposit them in the collection basket before joining me for "Intergenerational Time". During that time (about 5 minutes) I speak with the children about the message of the day, engaging them through questions, stories, the use of props, visual aids and sometimes even magic tricks. Their active participation in the worship service brings a great deal of energy and joy to the service, keeping them excited about attending worship services and helping us all grow in relationship.
Below please find a video clip of one such Sunday with the children:
Magic Vision Childrens from George Dale on Vimeo. |