Children are very present in worship at St. David’s. In fact, they are an important and integral part of worship in this faith community. St. David’s is a family, and children are an essential member of a family – both yours and St. David’s. Children belong in church because they are part of our family and the Body of Christ. Everyone in the congregation makes a commitment to nurture and support them when they are baptized, and St. David’s makes every effort to live into that commitment. Children bring life and light into our routines and rituals. They illuminate the wonder and mystery of the sacraments with their simple and fresh views of life. Through children we are all renewed in worship. 

 

Every Sunday the St. David’s 9:15a.m. service makes special efforts to lift up children and include them in all aspects of worship. All children are welcome to participate actively in the service in many ways. Boys and girls in grades 4 and up are invited to lead the procession and assist at the altar. Every week a family offers their ministry by ushering and guiding the service. Every member of the family minister of the week can participate by greeting parishioners, passing out bulletins, reading the Sunday Scripture passages and leading the Prayers of the People, passing the collection plates, or offering the elements. Children are very active in all of these roles. All parish children are invited to present gifts of food during the offering which are then blessed and provided to So Others Might Eat.

 

The structure of the service ensures the children are there to participate in worship before they are gathered and blessed to go to Children’s Chapel and then Sunday School. A clergy member presents a chapel sermon designed especially for the children each week while another clergy member presents a sermon to the rest of the parish.

 

St. David’s 9:15 service is focused on worship for everyone. People of all ages, including children, are an important part of worship and are encouraged to actively engage in this aspect of spiritual life.

 

 

Worship bags filled with small activity items are available for those younger children who are still developing their spiritual focus. Please return the bags to the stand in the back so they can be replenished every week and made available every Sunday. 

 

Pew cards or “Sermon Notes” are available for contemplative prayer for those children so inclined to explore their spirituality through art and drawing during the service.

 

Most of all, children like to see. Be sure they have a seat where they can view what is happening at the altar. Explain what is happening so they can know how to participate. Help children follow the service in the booklet. Explain the different places in the church. Help children learn the hymns so they can sing along. There are many little things adults and parents can do to help the children participate in worship. Worship is for everyone, including the younger members of the congregation.