Helping Children Experience Worship

• Worship begins when your family enters the building.  Include your children when you greet others in the congregation and when you introduce yourself to new people.
• Help your child understand the flow of the service.  Encourage them to bring their bible and follow along when the scripture is read.
• Be aware of the different seasons and special events of the church.  Notice when the altar colors change or when we have new banners.
• Ask your child to listen to the message and be prepared to discuss it when you get home.
• Have children participate in the offering, no matter how small the amount they give.
• Give your child the opportunity to complete the ‘Kids Activity Sheet’ found in the back of the FLC and chapel.  Sometimes children listen more intently when they are using their hands.  The sheet also incorporates the week’s message and scripture.
• Encourage participation in Holy Communion.  Your child, regardless of age, is welcome to receive the bread and cup. 
• Make Sunday worship a regular part of the time you spend with your child.  Let God’s love be evident during the rest of the week too!
• Pray together as a family at home. 
• For the next several years you will be worshiping with your child.  St. Philip’s UMC supports you in this ministry as parents and we hope these ideas will help you make worship a positive experience!

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5 CEB