Bonnie's Notes

Summer family worship is back!!

As a result of our survey at the end of last summer, it was obvious parents loved the family worship time together. So, for 9 weeks, starting July 5th through the end of August, all elementary children will join their families in the worship services.

We realize the greatest environment for a child to experience corporate worship is in a corporate worship setting. So, for these 9 weeks in the summer, we are asking our children to worship with their parents so that parents may model worship to their children. We are allowing ourselves to imagine this corporate worship service where our kids are sensing the spirit of God as they observe and participate worshipping with adults. It will be an atmosphere where our children will experience being a valued member of the bigger church family.

I believe there is a great benefit to families worshipping together. In the OT, parents included their children in the Passover so they could ask their parents, “What does this ceremony mean to you?”

When the Israelites celebrated the Passover according to God’s instructions, they brought their children with them so that during the Passover feast the children would be able to ask: “What does this ceremony mean to you?” Ex. 12:25-27.

I hope your child will look at you in a worship service and ask, “What does this mean to you?”
So, how do you help your child worship?

We will set up a Kids Worship Center in the main auditorium where your child will be able to pick up his own worship activity sheets (to help him participate during the service), pencils, and offering envelopes. Family activities will be included for you to follow up at home.
Included in your child’s packet will be the verse for the week. If your child memorizes the verse, you may sign the tear off and your child may return it for a prize!

This would not be a time for children to just “sit” with you. It will be a training time where you can help your child open his Bible, whisper prayers with him during prayer time, explain difficult words in songs that are sung, make sure he has an offering…

What if you are here for both hours on a Sunday morning?
A class for elementary children will be available in room 203. It is only for children whose parents are serving in another ministry or are in adult community class for a 2nd hour.
What about bringing pre school children into the family worship?

The child sensitive parts of worship in the family worship service are designed for elementary children. The nursery and pre-school will continue their regular programs during the summer.
It is my prayer that each child, who learns best by imitation, will learn the joy of worship as he enters this experience with his parent.

Bonnie Aldrich, Children’s Pastor
(Questions: contact me at: baldrich@pulpitrock.com)