Here are a few ideas to get the most out of Sunday for your whole family when we’re sheltering in place.
1 / It’s All Worship
Worship is a time where we remind ourselves who God is and who we are in light of Him. So, wether you are at Middle School 51 with everyone, in your living room watching Caleb’s sermon, or watching the kids video and leading their projects it is all worship! This is why I strongly encourage you to have separate times for the kids programing and for you to participate with the grown-up service. This is a unique and amazing opportunity for us all to worship together.
2 / Structure
Kids thrive on structure! Start by setting a time for kids church and a time for the grown-ups. For example, in the Booker household, kids church is at 9:30am and then the grown-up service is at 10:30am.
3 / Prep
A little prep can go a LOOOOONG way. If you can, read over the activity guide and familiarize yourself with the stories. This will make engaging in discussion, activities, or a craft so much easier. It will also give you time to gather supplies you need.
4 / Expect Kids to be Kids
As you move into the music and liturgy for the yourselves let your kiddos wiggle freely and ask questions quietly. They will be curious and that is a wonderful thing! Try to avoid the feeling that they need to in a separate room: let them see, hear, and absorb how you are experiencing the Lord in this time.
Nick and Becky Drake, the founders of Worship for Everyone recently introduced Family at 4, a 30-minute sing-along experience, all age bible teaching, and lots of fun. It’s a great way to connect with your child… and TGC Kids know most of their songs!
5 / Musical Worship
As you sing songs in worship, the kids do know some of the grown-up songs. They are particularly fond of “Waymaker,” “Since your Love,” and “Who You Say I Am.” Also, they will learn new truths about our Savior through music! Don’t forget to listen to some of their songs for yourselves… you might just learn some new truths too.
Listen to our TGC Kids Playlist on Spotify »
6 / Sermon Time
I know the sermon is going to feel the toughest together. Especially for the pre-kers. A few ideas — save snack time until the sermon. They can snuggle next to you munching! Have quiet activities ready to go — blocks or legos on the floor, coloring at the table, play dough, and some kitchen utensils. These are few ideas to engage their imagination and keep hands busy during the quieter moments.
7 / Remember
Your kids will always seems more wiggly and loud to you. If you are worshiping with other families or friends on Zoom, they will be overjoyed to experience the amazing way God has made your child(ren). So, the question you should ask yourself is — “can I be ok with this?” Can you be ok with the wiggly question asker, the scuffling siblings, or the eye rolling preteen? If that answer is yes! You did it!
You might have to listen to the sermon again when they are in bed, but know you just offered them a beautiful gift — they saw your heart truly experiencing the presence of the Lord. Nothing will make them more curious in pursuing Jesus for themselves than seeing you in relationship with Him. So, you just relax into the loving presence of God and be free in worship!
8 / The More They Know...
Last note — you are new at this and so are the kids. Kids will be better and better at giving you space for the sermon or participating in the grown-up songs the more they do it! As they become familiar and secure in this time it will show in their settled bodies and longer attention spans!
Please feel free to share your feelings with me. We’re learning as we go, so feel free to reach out with question and ideas!
With love,
Elisa and Danielle
