During the next few months, Eliza and I are planning a few new ways to help engage kids in what’s going on during communion.
- Whatever works: First of all, there’s no right or wrong way for them to engage, and each kid is different (and then they grow and change and they’re different in a new way!). There’s nothing wrong with their needing a break in the family room after listening and participating in church school and children’s chapel.
- But engaging is good! I want you to know, without any doubt, that we welcome their closer engagement, especially at communion, even (especially?) if that involves a little chaos. And I know that the congregation does too! (Honestly, I think most of them would prefer a service that involves some young people’s hijinks to a solemn, silence-filled one!). And sometimes they need a little help learning that they are capable of engaging more deeply: a parent to point to the words, or a prompt to notice that they already know the Lord’s Prayer.
- Get a good view: You’re welcome to bring your kids up to a spot where they can see better, for part or all of the Eucharistic prayer. Sit in the front row (always empty!) or on the kneelers or stand them up on the ramp railing. We sing the same songs for a whole season at communion; those are often easy to learn, even for kids who can’t read yet. Little kids can learn the Lord’s Prayer and listen for the big “Amen!” at the end. There are several materials that relate to communion in the shelf just outside the family room that can help.
- Helpers and jobs: We’ve had a few kids take me up on the invitation to come stand at the altar or help at various points in the service- we’d love to have more! Eliza and I have made a list of jobs, some old and some new. Starting this week, kids will have the opportunity to sign up for one age-appropriate job when they gather before the children’s procession back into the sanctuary before communion. If there’s any job you don’t want your child to participate in, just let us know. (Jobs are: Carrying the basket for cups, bringing up the bread and wine, standing at the altar during the Eucharistic prayer, doing the dismissal at the end of the service, giving visitors gifts during announcements, and drying dishes with the altar guild.) Full disclosure- we will also use this as an opportunity to give the bigger kids a chance to engage at the end of the service to see if that will relieve some of the early rush to coffee hour before the rest of us are done.
- Godly Play classroom Eucharist: On March 30, I’ll spend the 10:30 service downstairs, where we will celebrate the Eucharist in the Children’s Chapel (ages 2-6) classroom, to make a connection between their sacred space and prayer downstairs and upstairs. We’ll spend the whole service time doing this (ie we won’t come upstairs that day). Parents are welcome to join us that week!
We are also super open (and would be grateful for!) your thoughts about what your child might be interested in or what might help them engage more fully in our sacred and joyful gathering and prayer together.
And for the non-kid/parent segment of the congregation—we’re including you in this note because we want you to know what’s going on so that you can continue to welcome and encourage kids in their engagement. It’s honestly one of my favorite things about you all, that I trust you to do that so completely. Thank you.
Anne