Children At RUMC
Sunday Mornings
Nursery (Infants to four) Sunday morning at 10:15
At Reconciliation, we don’t believe in baby Sitting. Your child will receive love, attention, and hands-on learning … no matter how young they are. Our nursery workers are committed to children and to teaching them about Jesus.
Sunday School (three and up) Sunday morning at 9:15
This is a time for children to learn about the faith through stories, crafts, and songs. We encourage families with older children to bring them to worship with you. Our community of faith seeks to be intentional in including them in all aspects of our worship service.
Welcoming Children in Worship - A guide for parents and friends of children who worship with us.
Welcome to worship at Reconciliation United Methodist Church. As you look around our worship space, you will see that children are a welcome part of our worshipping community. Their presence here grows out of the biblical tradition, our congregation’s commitment to inclusivity, and the conviction that our children are a part of this covenant community.
We make a place for children in our worship by:
• Planning worship activities that engage children in a variety of ways throughout the year;
• Presenting the “Children’s Celebration” during the worship service;
• Offering instruction for parents and children regarding baptism and communion;
• Using the Kids Connection time (9:15-10:15 a.m. each Sunday) to help children grow through lessons that are relevant to worship themes.
Worship & Learning
Worship is God-centered praise and adoration. Children learn to worship at home and in church by worshipping with the community of faith consistently.
Children in worship:
• Learn they belong to Christ and are welcome in Christ’s church;
• Grow in their understanding of the fundamental truths of faith by repeating the Lords Prayer, Creeds, and other elements of the liturgy;
• Build a treasure of memorable, shared experiences of Christian Community;
• Experience music and art as expressions of praise and response to God; Hear stories from the bible as they are read and interpreted;
• Begin to see Christian worship as one place where God may speak to them; Witness baptism and communion as signs of Gods love and favor;
• Discover that they are valued as persons by God and by God’s people.
While bringing children to worship may not always be easy, it is an important part of their Christian nurture and we as a community of faith, we take seriously our vows to help all baptized persons grow in their knowledge and wisdom of the Christian faith.
Parent’s Role
Parents can help school-age children toward greater participation in worship in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
• Read or memorize the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and other parts of the worship service.
• Arrive a few minutes early and review the bulletin with your child to identify new or difficult words, and preview together those parts when the congregation responds by reading and speaking.
• Invite your child to follow the reading of the scripture lessons in a bible or bulletin insert.
• Look over the song sheet and go over the words of new or unfamiliar songs.
• Encourage your child to listen to the sermon for stories so that you can talk about them together after worship.
• Adopt a grandparent or friend to sit with your family. He or she can assist children and build relationships among our worshipping community
Tips for Parents and Friends of Children
• Sit near the front or inside aisle. Children who can see and see what is happening are more involved.
• Give clues to your child as to what will happen next. Children learn “worship etiquette” by participation.
• Whisper instructions to help them learn. Talk about worship at home–what we do in worship and why it is important to you.
• Explain that talking or being overly active can make it difficult for others to worship.
• Include acts of worship in your daily life such as morning or evening prayers, thanksgiving before meals, and Bible reading.
Our Community of Faith
We ask the members of our community to assist you and your family by actively welcoming children in worship.
• Please be sure to welcome the children near you. Include them in your conversations and let them know they belong.
• Free yourself from worry about children’s behavior.
• Be open to receiving their ministry to you.
• Contact us if you have any questions, concerns or helpful suggestions about how we can help you and your family participate more fully in worship.
