Resources
For the Library
For more information, ideas and resources for worshipping as a family, the following may be helpful:
-
Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children
into the Joy of Worship, by Ruth Bell Graham - Worship: Not for Adults Only (Issues in Christian Living), by Edith Bajema
- A Family Affair: Worshiping God With Our Children (Issues in Christian living), by Edith Bajema
- Talking With Your Child About Worship (Growing Together Series Book), by Edwards
-
Children
in the Assembly of the Church, by Eleanor Bernstein - At the Table Together; Children in the Congregation, by Mary Duckert
- A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship, by John D. Witvliet, ed.
Christian Education
Worship at Witherspoon
Consider the Impact you are Having…
The Fall edition of The Spooner contained much valuable information
about the ways in which we incorporate children into our Sunday Worship.
As we enter the final months of our Sunday School year, it seems an appropriate
time to review and reflect upon the different changes that have taken
place this year.
This is an issue that involves everyone in our congregation,
whether one has young children or not. To this end, please take time
to read the following synopsis of our Church's beliefs about children
in worship. Then spend a few moments reflecting upon your important role
in this endeavor.
- During the Passing of the Peace, have you sought out a child seated near you to say, "Peace of the Lord be with you?"
- When a young child near you becomes restless or distracting, what have your inward and outward responses been?
- Have you ever arrived at Church to find a visiting family seated in a pew you customarily occupy? Again, what has your reaction been?
- Have you ever considered making a difference in the lives of our young people by volunteering to help with one of the many youth activities our Church offers?
There are so many ways that every member of Witherspoon can have a positive impact upon our children. For more information we invite you to visit our Christian Education Fair, which will take place during Coffee Hour on April 10. Future bulletins will also contain information about volunteer opportunities. Please feel free to contact any Christian Education Committee member with any questions. Thank you for considering these matters, and thank you for making a difference!
What Witherspoon Believes about Children and Worship continue
Children @ WSPC
There are some concrete ways we are trying to help children participate more fully in worship this year. Children’s sermons during the service for worship help to provide teaching on the Scripture lesson for the day in terms and with applications children can get excited about. The children’s worship bags contain “worship guides” that have words and explanations to regular parts of the liturgy, such as the Doxology, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Gloria Patri, as well as hymn and scripture bookmarks so that children who read can follow along.
The bulletin contains family discussion questions to facilitate conversation about worship in the home. The children’s bulletins have activities that help children explore the Scripture lesson for the day. Sunday school classes regularly address what children are learning and experiencing in worship. The younger children’s class follows the church calendar and general lessons used in worship, while older children (and adults) study the same passage used in worship during the Sunday school hour each week.