Sure enough, one of my parents, who was all for bringing her children to adult worship confronted me about the Pastor's topic saying that her daughter was asking lots of questions about a topic she felt her first grader was not ready for!

I shared the mother's comments and concerns with the Pastor.  Thankfully, the Pastor immediately apologized saying they simply didn't think about the children when preparing the message.   From then on the Pastor did an awesome job of remember the children and avoiding sensitive adult topics.

Lisa B from NC

Then we used glue dots to stick a candy kiss on each heart.  We made enough for every person in the service. 

Then during communion, after the congregation took the elements, Roger and I handed each person one of the hearts and told them "Just as Christ showed his agape love for you by dying on the cross, we want you to share this love with someone else."

So the children not only got to experience the joy of making something that was an important part of the service, they got to understand what agape love was as well.  PLUS they helped to teach the adults a lesson.

I think that making the involvement of children an INTEGRAL and IMPORTANT part of the service is key, not just an afterthought or giving them busywork to keep them quiet!


Pictures taken on vacation at Lake Junaluska, NC.

Today's scripture was Matthew 16:13-16. where Jesus asks the disciples "Who do you say I am?".  I asked everyone. "What if I told you Jesus was in our sanctuary? Would you recognize him?" Then we did pair shares to discuss What Jesus would look like. (I turn off the mike so the children's discussion isn't "on stage".) They said maybe he would have a beard, some said black hair, others thought maybe brown,...he might be wearing a white robe, etc.   Then I told them that we really didn't know what he looked like because we have never seen him in the flesh, but like Peter, we know WHO He is! Peter answered telling Jesus, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God".    Then since it was communion Sunday, I reminded everyone that Jesus IS with us and during Communion we would be sharing a meal of bread and juice with Jesus.

After both services, adults came by to tell me how much they liked the message and what a joy it was to be a part of the children's time. Our children continue to model a pure and simple faith during children message time and I think that's what the adults appreciate the most.

Lisa B from NC

Up until now, we've worked at having an excellent nursery that can accomodate through age 4 (I know a stretch!).  Because of who we've been reaching, very young couples, singles and youth we haven't had very many that are between age 4 and youth, until very recently.

If we do have for some reason 5 or so elementary students, we have dismissed them following the music to attend a not very good children's lesson time.

But we are now seeking to do more with kids as we have more attending.  (This morning about 10) though with our stretched thin volunteer staff it's going to be interesting!

Blessings,
Jan in Idaho

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like your church is going through some really growing pain blessings!

Group has so many resources to assist growing churches.  I ersonally recommend that you take a look at Kids Own Worship. It will work great with multi-ages and has both preschool and elementary components that work wonderfully with varying numbers.  We use Kids Own Worship for our elementary age children who leave worship after the children's message. The teachers usually have them for 30 minutes, but when the service goes long they have plenty to do to extend the lesson.

Lisa B from NC