At first glance, Children’s Church may appear to be just another child care time provided so that parents and members can worship while our wiggling wee folks have a place to talk and play. While this may also be true, there’s more to Children’s Church than that! It’s a time to share offering. It’s a time to sing “hymns” of the kid variety. It’s a time to learn to pray. It’s a time for kids to express their love for God and others through crafts, games, drawing, and creating.
Each Sunday children aged 4 through fifth grade begin their worship experience with their families in the sanctuary. Early during the service, they are invited to the front of the church to share in a story and discussion by an adult volunteer. After that, these young members head downstairs to the Children’s Church room to sing some songs, and hear another brief story or discussion. We pray together in order to help each child learn how to talk to God. It’s not long before the children are active in a craft, game, or other activity that helps them to express their ideas, reinforce the lesson of the day, and worship God in a kid’s style!
The lessons and activities of the day are planned by Oakton’s Christian Ministries Coordinator (CMC), Debbie Seidel, and adults volunteer to lead and adults or teens assist on Sundays. You don’t have to be a parent of a child in Children’s Church to volunteer! We bet you’ll find the joy of the kids a wondrous thing, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more. See Debbie Seidel or Karen Richardson to volunteer!
Some parents and children choose to remain in worship with the adults each week. However, we don’t forget about them… we have the Worship Activity Totes (WAT) to help them find meaningful quiet activities to work on in worship that are also tied to the Sunday’s themes. Feel free to peak at one sometime, just to see what’s inside! We often have extras and would love for you to take one to a neighbor, friend, grandchild, niece or nephew.
We are bringing back another favorite children’s program this year, The 100% Club. This is a program designed to engage all our kids in activities to engage themselves in God’s ministry with 100% of their mind, heart, body, and spirit to God’s glory. The children will chose from a list of activities and timely offered activities that they can do to earn a percentage amount toward their goal of 100%. Each time they reach their goal of 100%, they may choose from a list of celebration activities offered by members and friends of the congregation. Do you have a hobby, skill or just enjoy spending time with children? Sign up to offer a celebration with a child of the church. Some ideas include an ice cream outing, a movie with a friend, teaching them woodworking, knitting or another fun skill. Speak to Debbie Seidel or Hannah Seidel for more information.
We are blessed with an active and growing children’s ministry. You can bet when our children are around, there are more good things going on than meets the eye!
By Debbie Seidel
Children’s Ministry Coordinator