Credit: Photo by Joan Kessler
As the school year draws closer, many of us are turning our attention to children’s ministry and Sunday School.
There are several communities of faith in the Living Skies Region who have embraced a “let’s work with what we have” approach to serving the children and families in their midst. One beautiful example in a rural context is Watrous United Church which offers Sunday School on a part-time basis. The primary teacher reaches out directly to parents when Sunday School or an event is happening, and this practice has been very effective. The class ranges from 20 months to 10 years old, and children are given different activities based on their age.
Young people are invited to participate fully in worship as well, particularly in special services throughout the church year. Older children help with the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and serve as Advent wreath readers. The community does not shy away from sharing more sombre occasions with children, and makes a special effort to include them in a participatory way in Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services.
The Sunday School class also enjoys reaching out to the community. On Mother’s Day, the children give carnations to their mothers and deliver the remaining flowers to the long term care home after the service.
Rev. Joan Kessler says “Whatever the future holds for our youth, I hope they take away the value of washing each other’s feet and serving each other.” She also said that her hope is that the children in the Watrous United Church Sunday School feel that it’s memorable and that they always have a place in the United Church.
Children’s ministry benefits adults as well. Inviting children to be involved members of their congregation and community fosters intergenerational relationships, and connecting with children in church can be a boost for older congregation members. Rev. Kessler has also found that children’s Bibles can be great tools for intergenerational worship, encouraging a deeper understanding of the art and stories from our shared tradition. (check out our First Third Ministry list of favourite children’s Bibles here)
