Redeemer Kids
Children are an integral part of our church family, and their presence is a gift!
We believe that God's grace is poured out onto his people when they gather to worship in his name. We want our children to participate in that grace, to be drawn to worship Jesus as their Savior, and to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. God's experience of our worship is not hindered by the presence (and noise!) of children, but rather Jesus invited them to come close: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
At Redeemer, children who are 5 years and older are invited to worship with their church family for the whole service -- not to simply be "kept quiet" or entertained, but rather to learn how to worship and hear from God on their own! Because of this, we don't have "children's church" or Sunday School for school-age kids. Children's Guides (like a church bulletin for kids) are available on the back table to help both parents and children engage with God during the service as the rhythm, flow, and liturgy become increasingly familiar to them.
We have a nursery available downstairs for babies and young children (unsupported sitters through 4 years old), and they are then welcomed upstairs every week to join their families for communion and music.
TO THE PARENTS OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN, MAY WE SUGGEST...
Children are an integral part of our church family, and their presence is a gift!
We believe that God's grace is poured out onto his people when they gather to worship in his name. We want our children to participate in that grace, to be drawn to worship Jesus as their Savior, and to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. God's experience of our worship is not hindered by the presence (and noise!) of children, but rather Jesus invited them to come close: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
At Redeemer, children who are 5 years and older are invited to worship with their church family for the whole service -- not to simply be "kept quiet" or entertained, but rather to learn how to worship and hear from God on their own! Because of this, we don't have "children's church" or Sunday School for school-age kids. Children's Guides (like a church bulletin for kids) are available on the back table to help both parents and children engage with God during the service as the rhythm, flow, and liturgy become increasingly familiar to them.
We have a nursery available downstairs for babies and young children (unsupported sitters through 4 years old), and they are then welcomed upstairs every week to join their families for communion and music.
TO THE PARENTS OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN, MAY WE SUGGEST...
- Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome!
- Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on at the altar. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads.
- Quietly explain the parts of the liturgy and actions of the pastor, etc.
- Sing the hymns, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
- If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.”
- Please help your child know what’s coming next using the “Children’s Guide” (clipboards found on the back table). Non-readers can follow along using the pictures.
- The presence of children is a gift to the church and they remind us that our church is growing.
- Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to their parents.
- Remember that the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship!
