"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them..."
At Grace Presbyterian Church, we welcome children in our worship services, following the example of Jesus who said,
"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14).
We believe that faith is "caught not taught."
Therefore, the best way for our children to grow into adults who attend church regularly
is for them to be children who attend church regularly with the adults.
We also know that children learn best by doing.
You wouldn't expect a child to learn to ride a bike by just telling them how to ride?
The same goes for worship. Worship needs to be experienced to be learned!
"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." (Matthew 19:14).
We believe that faith is "caught not taught."
Therefore, the best way for our children to grow into adults who attend church regularly
is for them to be children who attend church regularly with the adults.
We also know that children learn best by doing.
You wouldn't expect a child to learn to ride a bike by just telling them how to ride?
The same goes for worship. Worship needs to be experienced to be learned!
Children in worship even have a special place they can go in the sanctuary so that they can engage in quiet activities during the sermon. We call this space our "Prayground."
Therefore, worship at Grace Presbyterian Church is intergenerational - meaning that all generations worship God together: singing God's praises together, praying together, and sharing the peace of Christ with one another. All generations also have the chance to share their gifts in worship.
Some of the ways you'll find children involved in the worship services at Grace include:
Therefore, worship at Grace Presbyterian Church is intergenerational - meaning that all generations worship God together: singing God's praises together, praying together, and sharing the peace of Christ with one another. All generations also have the chance to share their gifts in worship.
Some of the ways you'll find children involved in the worship services at Grace include:
- Acolytes - The Acolyte brings the Light of Christ into the church to begin our worship services.
- Beadle - The Beadle brings the Word of God (the Bible) into the church to begin our worship services.
- Liturgists - Liturgists help lead the prayers and litanies printed in our bulletins.
- Song Leading - The children sometimes lead the congregation in a song, often with sign language.
- Children's Sermon - Each week the children participate in the children's sermon (and let the adults listen in too).
- Liturgical Art - Children in our church often create art that adorns our sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
- Ushers & Communion Servers - Children may help to collect the offering and serve communion.
- Preaching - On Children & Youth Sunday, one of our Youth preaches the sermon.
- Sharing of their personal gifts & talents - We also have children who sing solos, perform liturgical dance, and share their many gifts for the glory of God during worship!