Dear Parents,
I wonder if you are like me, then all the feelings are flowing. There is so much going on and so much to be aware, it can often feel like too much. First, I am here to pray for you and with you. While we can’t meet as a church like we usually do, it sure doesn’t mean we have to stop praying and worshiping. In fact, his time offers our families a unique opportunity to come together in our church experience. We are usually separate as a church, the kids have their worship experience, and adults have theirs.
For this week, at least, we are all going to be together as one big family. Some of you will worship as a family at home, and others might find your way to a house church meeting. No matter how you worship this week, do it together. Here are a few ideas to come together in a worship experience...
1 / Let Kids Be Kids
Let your kiddos wiggle freely and ask questions quietly. They will be curious and that is a wonderful thing! Try to avoid the feeling that they need to in a separate room! Let them hear and absorb how you are experiencing the Lord at this time.
2 / Worship Time
As you sing songs in worship, the kids do know some of the “adults” songs. They are particularly fond of “Way Maker,” “Since your love” and “Who you say I am.” Also, don’t hesitate to discover some songs from TGC Kids worship playlist and they can teach you our hand motions!
3 / Teaching Time
As you read through the liturgy, sing songs in worship, pray together and listen to the sermon, offer things to keep their hands busy. Coloring, play dough, and quiet blocks are a few ideas to engage their imagination during quieter moments.
4 / Ministry Time
The only time I would encourage you to move kids into a separate space is if someone is very emotional and needs a time of focused prayer. You could simply articulate to the kid that they need some space and friends are going to pray with them while we go play in the other room. This would be a great opportunity to use the provided videos (Ollie and the Wonder Clubhouse, 252 Story, or The So and So Show).
5 / Closing Discussion
Unless you need to use the videos for Ministry Time, I suggest inviting everyone to watch the kid videos together as a family. That will help open up a discussion about these stories as you go about the rest of your day!
6 / Remember...
Your kids will always seem the most wiggly and loud to you. If you are worshiping with other families or friends without kids, they will be overjoyed to experience the amazing way God has made each of your children. So, you just relax into the loving presence of God and worship!
Please feel free to share your feelings with me or others in the church so that we can really support you. We’re learning as we go, so feel free to reach out with questions and ideas!
With love,
Elisa Booker and Danielle Swink
