Westminster Presbyterian Church

Children’s Church is offered during the 11:15 AM Worship Service. Following the Children’s Sermon, children ages five through 5th grade are invited to the chapel for age-appropriate worship. During the last hymn they return to the sanctuary so they may receive the benediction with all worshippers. On Communion Sundays they return to the sanctuary earlier so that those who are ready may participate in the Lord’s Supper.

During Children’s Church the children will learn about all aspects of worship to prepare them for full participation in worship and sacraments, including Communion (The Lord’s Supper), if they are ready.

The children will learn about the various parts of the worship service such as:

* Praise

* Call to Worship

* Confession & Assurance

* Scripture

* Communion

* Offering

* Prayer

* Using the hymnal

They will also learn about the different themes and seasons of the church year such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, etc.

Children will worship through a variety of experiences that include things like story-telling, Scripture reading, art, song, drama, games, liturgy, prayer, and even dance!

Children’s Church

a worship experience

for children ages 5 through 5th grade

CHILDREN’S CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT

We welcome and gather children to encounter the Living Triune God in worship, founded in our traditions as Presbyterians (PCUSA), that engages them and motivates them to worship.

Staff contact:

Associate Pastor Christine Long

Office: 360-357-5750

E-mail: ctlong@wpcoly.org

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR CHILDREN’S CHURCH?

To help you determine if your child is ready for a Children’s Church experience here are some simple guidelines:

Your child(ren)…

1. Must be able to separate from parents and remain separated for up to forty minutes.

2. Is able to sit still without talking for five minutes.

3. Is “potty trained” and can take care of own toilet needs.

4. Is learning self-management behaviors. (non-hurtful toward others.)

5. Desires to take part in a worship time designed for children.

6. Is able to follow a sequence of three tasks aimed at completing a project.

For children not quite ready for Children’s Church please note that the nursery accommodates children ages birth through five years of age. We also offer Worship Activity Bags with quiet activities and supplies for any age child. The bags are at the back of the sanctuary or at the top of the stairs in the balcony. If you need assistance greeters and ushers are available to help you.

If you have questions about Communion (the Lord’s Supper) and your child’s readiness please contact Pastor David or Pastor Christine.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FOR CHILDREN

* Children will feel welcomed and cared for.

* Children will gain understanding about the meaning of worship.

* Children will learn age appropriate expression of faith.

* Children will learn skills for full participation in worship and sacraments, including Communion, if they are ready.

FOR FAMILIES

* Families and children will have access to full participation in worship.

* Families will receive encouragement and ideas for faith development for their children at home.

* Families will feel supported in their own faith development as their children are taught (cared for) by others.

FOR LEADERS

* Leaders will greet children with a spirit of hospitality.

* Leaders will value God’s love for children.

* Leaders will abide by the safety policy of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

* Leaders will feel supported through training and prayer.

* Church program staff will be visible and available to children.