Parents, we believe the generations should worship together, bringing together the wisdom of the elder and the wonder of the child. We love having your children worship with us. We believe they learn something by seeing their parents’ heads bowed in prayer. We think the stories pictured in the stained glass windows are valuable. Sometimes, though, little ones get tired of sitting still. If that happens, don’t fret. You are welcome to take advantage of the following options:
Just relax and know we are happy to see you. We understand children get fidgety! We’ve all been there.
There are rocking chairs available in the back for parents with small children. Your little one can be rocked there or, if just a little bit noisy, allowed to simply play on the floor.
You can move your gang into the Family Room (to the left of the sanctuary) where your kids can squirm and you can participate comfortably in the service. The Family Room is also home to the Creation Station, open for preschool kids (and parents if they wish) to make a craft related to the message of the day.
In addition, we have clipboards with coloring pages for all ages to take to your pew. These are located at the front entrance of the church, (also called the narthex) and in the Family Room.
If you have infants and toddlers, you may visit the nursery, too. For more details, see below.
Some parents wander the building with their little one as a last resort. In the narthex (the area near the front doors,) you can still see and hear the service through the glass windows. You can also hear the service downstairs in Fellowship Hall through the speakers. Children love that big open space.
Whatever you choose, please know we’ve all been there. We’ve seen it all before and we’re just happy you came. Stuff happens. In time, we hope your children will come to own the place and feel like it belongs to them. One day you may hear them refer to it as “our church.”
Our Nursery is for any child through age five (or Kindergarten). It includes a story, worship, and learning time for the children. You are welcome to keep your children in worship with you or bring them to the nursery. Our story, worship, and learning will happen in the nursery around 10:30. If your little one needs more activity at any point in the service you also are welcome to bring them to the nursery as needed.