Sunday Snippets

Don't really have many take aways from today, but I did pick up a flyer in the pew at Laura and Evan's wedding yesterday at University Park United Methodist church. I thought it was well done and worth posting.

"Children In Worship At University Park UMC"
"When children come to church, adults sometimes wonder why?"
"Bringing children into the sanctuary is something like including them at the dinner table. Even though their manners are far from elegant-it's done in the hope that, given time, they'll begin to feel a part of the family. We adults should accept-even value-children's restlessness during worship, trusting that they are also learning that:
-It's important to come to church each Sunday.
-The sights, sounds of worship are meaningful even if they're not always understandable.
-They are part of a church family committed to helping them grow their faith.
-Something is expected of them in church, and they may respond in song, prayer and offering.

Bringing your child to church can be a real exercise in aggravation. But then again, so are many other facets of parenting, and we manage our way through them. Young children in worship may giggle, poke and swing their legs, but it is their right to worship. Our satisfaction comes as we learn to share and appreciate their worship, and in later years when we see them stand in the midst of the church with a faith of their own."

"ABCs for parents and other adults"
Arrive in time to find a good place to sit to make sure your children can see.
Bring something along for little ones to hold or look at-something soft and quiet such as crayons and paper.
Call a 'practice session' at home. The Lord's Prayer, The Gloria and the Doxology can be practiced to help children keep up with the speed of adults.
Decide on a cue to let children know it's time to settle down.
Express joy at having children worship with you. Sen an occasional smile in their direction.
Free yourself of anxieties. Relax!
Give thanks to God for the presence of children.
Help parents of small children by showing your appreciation and your support of 'all God's children'."