Worship Options for Children at FULC

​We welcome children of all ages as valued members of the community, just as Jesus did. We welcome the sounds and activity of children, recognizing this as a sign that the church is growing! We have different spaces and approaches designed for children that can be used according to their needs and trust families to work out the best options for their children on any given day. 
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GRACE SPACE
​In the front-left section of our sanctuary we have created a space where young children can play comfortably and quietly, close to their family, while also experiencing worship. When children can see what’s going on in worship, they absorb more and are more attentive. This allows spiritual formation to begin and communicates to the children that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Parents are asked to sit adjacent to Grace Space, so they can tend to their child as needed and help engage them in worship as appropriate. With guidance, children are expected to play/work quietly, be respectful of the space, share and be kind to others. If you use Grace Space, please help us keep it neat and clean. Thank you!
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NURSERY
​While Children and infants are always welcome in worship, if you feel you need to take them to a separate space we do have a nursery room located on the left as you approach the main entrance to the sanctuary. Currently the nursery is not staffed so parents must stay with their children while using this space. There are a variety of toys, books, supplies and a changing table available for your use. Please be sure to leave the space as you found it when you are done. Thank you!
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​WORSHIP TOOL KITS
​These kits include items to help young children learn the rhythm of worship and participate in concrete, age appropriate ways. They will need some guidance (instruction sheet is included). Teaching children about the different parts of worship is important, so it is ok to whisper about it during the service. The kits can be found in a drawer unit just outside the main entrance to the sanctuary. Help your child take one of the drawers to your pew and then return it (re-organized) after the service.
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COMMUNION
A message from Pastor Randy: From the earliest testimony of the Church the only requirement for partaking of the Eucharist is belief and baptism. Our children are baptized. Do our children believe? Without question! Our little ones have a simple faith that I wish we all had. In 1997, the ELCA adopted a new sacramental practices statement entitled, “The Use of the Means of Grace” in which it states, “Baptized children begin to commune on a regular basis at a time determined through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, the child, and the parents or sponsors involved, within the accepted practices of the congregation.” This is the practice I wish to adopt at First United. Parents are invited to meet with me, so I can explain their responsibility in this practice. They are the primary teachers for their children and will assist them as they take communion and answer questions as they are asked. Our children need Christ as much as anyone, so receiving the risen Christ into their bodies is just as important for them. It also affirms that they are a part of Christ and not second class in the kingdom. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:13). So let us welcome them to our Lord’s table as our Lord welcomes us.
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CHILDREN'S SERMONS
​​Most Sundays after the Gospel reading children are invited to come up front while Pastor Randy or a congregant speaks to them for a few minutes about the reading. As children begin to learn all the various parts of worship & liturgy, we also want to take time to pause specifically for the children in order to speak clearly and deliberately to them, explaining the Gospel in simple terms and applying it to their lives. 
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​CHILDREN'S MUSIC MINISTRY
​During Sunday School the pre-school through elementary age children learn songs that reinforce their lessons. Along with singing they also learn some ASL signs for the lyrics. A few times throughout the year the children may sing and sign one of their songs for us during the Worship service. 
F or questions or more information please contact
the Faith Formation Director, Julie Caslow, through the church office.