Worshipping with children: regathering version

So what does regathering look like for our children? We are grateful for the understanding of intergenerational worship that Church of the Redeemer has. It will be a joy to have church members of all ages together for our first meetings back together! You may also have questions about how that will work with your younger children.

Refract

I chose to continue using the word "refract" to help us think well about our gathering as a church. When we think of worship as reflection, of a private experience, we are missing an essential level of hospitality and communion that is found in worshiping together. When we think of our time together as a time of refraction - it is actually made more possible and rich but also noisy and active, by the presence of children. We are able to see a picture of the Kingdom of God that is diverse and full. We can choose to let our "Sunday best" expectations fall away while embracing the reverence that the Subject of our gathering deserves. However, we are out of the habit of gathering and it may take some time to readjust.

TIPS FOR GATHERING TOGETHER FOR ALL-CHURCH SERVICES

PREPARING FOR TIME TOGETHER

• pack supplies (coloring sheet, quiet toys that don't detract from the purpose of gathering, books on biblical themes)

• pack a snack or drink

• be comfortable (hat, jacket, comfortable chair or blanket)

• consider listening to special music on the way to church that sets the tone

• consider giving your child a word or phrase to "hunt" during the service

DURING THE SERVICE

• aware of a child's need for movement and personal interaction, reverently interact.

  • practice the prayer of the cross (Father in heaven: touch forehead, Jesus incarnate: touch stomach area, Holy Spirit in us: touch Left shoulder to Right shoulder passing over our hearts)

  • invite everyone to join with their bodies: kneeling, standing, sitting

  • cuddle

• save the snack, coloring and toys for use during the homily

• have a special signal for the word or phrase that your child is hunting

• "join us!" instead of "be quiet"

• “did you hear ________!” instead of “listen!”

• practice your own breathing prayers to refocus when your expectations interrupt your worship.
  Inhale: “Speak Lord,”
  Exhale: “Your servant is listening".

ON THE WAY HOME OR LATER THAT DAY

• did your child have observations or comments that you can think together about further?

• would your child like to say, make or do anything in response to the words of God this morning?

• is there an appropriate offering or act of service your family can collaborate in?

• pray a blessing over your children: “O Lord Jesus Christ, who took little children into your arms and blessed them: Bless the children of this family, that they may grow up in godly fear and love.
  Give them your strength and guidance day by day, that they may continue in your love and service to their lives’ end. Grant this, O blessed Savior, for your own Name’s sake. Amen.”
  (from the Anglican Book of Common prayer page 77)

• persevere, unflinchingly, in welcoming your children to purposeful communal worship.

Through this ordinary time, I will be releasing short weekly Saint videos for you to be encouraged through the faithful witness of those who have gone before us. These also give us something to celebrate not just at home, but in communion with the global church! There will also be guides available to help you think about God's time as we near the beginning of our church year in Advent.

I encourage you to continue cultivating a rhythm for your family using the Book of Common Prayer's shorter family prayer guide (beginning on page 66). You could choose morning, noon or evening. Pick a day that feels like it has a little room or need for prayer and take a 5 - 10 minute prayer time together. These require no preparation. I’m so glad that some of you took advantage of the materials needed for a home prayer area. If you missed out on that, let our team know! We'd love to talk you through how this can be a tool for you!

If you are feeling, instead, that you need a personal break or retreat - I recommend these 3 minute spiritual retreats. Please let us know how we can pray specifically for you and your family. When we are able to use the atrium again, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd will be by registration so keep an eye out for information about that.

Please remember that Catechesis of the Good Shepherd works best through the care of dedicated volunteers. If you are curious about being part of that work in the future, you can contact Leah@redeemergso.org.