During our summer worship schedule, families are invited to worship together each week, which means more children are present in the sanctuary for the entire service. In addition to the Prayground in the Gathering Space and the busy bag station just outside the sanctuary doors, we are now piloting a Prayground inside the sanctuary.
A Prayground is a space designed for children to use during worship. It provides an area for children to move around, flexible seating, play items, mindfulness aids, and art supplies. Its purpose is to support children in responding to what they see and hear in worship in a way that is developmentally appropriate.
Having a Prayground inside the sanctuary helps communicate something very important: children are welcome in worship. The Prayground in the Gathering Space will continue to be available for families who prefer to sit there, but we want families to know they do not have to stay outside the sanctuary.
We are also excited to add a teen station to our busy bag area. This station will include brain maps for sermon notes, scripture study, and response, designed to help older children, teens, and even adults engage more fully with our weekly worship service.
We believe children are spiritual beings who already have everything they need to be in relationship with God. They are fully God’s image bearers and bring curiosity, wonder, joy, and sometimes noise and movement to worship. Children who are welcome in worship not only experience God each Sunday, they grow into adults who see themselves as active members and leaders of the church. Children belong in God’s kingdom, and they belong in corporate worship.