Youth

Welcoming Children in Worship

"And Jesus took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.'" (Mark 9:36-37)

One of the most essential gifts we can give, as we minister together to children at Saint Thomas, is to listen to our Lord - to receive children in his name as we worship. What can we do to welcome children and their families? We can nurture Jesus' little ones and their families by:

• Extending a smile and spirit of welcome to families of small ones
• Learning the names of children and their families
• Offering a helping hand if you see that a family might need assistance
• Making sure children can see what's going on
• Teaching children to participate in the liturgy with a hearty "Amen,"
• "And with thy spirit," or "Thanks be to God."
• Helping children to hold hymnals or prayer books at the appropriate times
• Encouraging children, as they draw, to illustrate what they experience in church
• Checking the bulletin announcements for children's ministry or church-school program opportunities

In addition, Nursery/Preschool care is available during the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. liturgies. Children are welcome at all points during our worship. During these liturgies parents are encouraged to bring their children to the altar for Holy Communion or a blessing from one of the clergy.