KIDS BELONG IN CHURCH!

Children are not a distraction, and our Word + Table gathering isn’t a ‘break’ from our kids. Our aim is to prepare kids and families for lifelong discipleship, and we think the best way to do that is together. As much as possible, we try to integrate our kids, not segregate them, since kids and youth learn best by watching and imitating others (especially their parents).

WHO GOES WHERE?

BABIES and TODDLERS: Little ones who need a change of scenery may use the play zone and toys located on the floor at the back of the room. Toddlers in this space must be supervised, and never left unattended.

NURSING MOMS: You’re welcome to breastfeed where they feel comfortable, although we reserve a pew at the back of the room (behind the stained glass divider) for nursing moms. No one else should be in this space during the service. You’ll find some quilts there which you’re welcome to borrow if you wish to cover up.

PRESCHOOL and JK/SK KIDS: KidSpace is for you! There’s Bible lessons, games and other activities. All KidSpace leaders have been screened and trained through Plan to Protect® to provide an environment that’s not just fun and engaging, but also safe and secure. Kids must be checked in and out from the KidSpace classroom before and after each Sunday lesson.

SCHOOL-AGED KIDS (about 5yrs and up): During Word + Table, you’re invited to stay with your parents during the teaching portion. We’ve got lots of supplies to help you learn: magnetic drawing boards / notepads, dry erase boards, markers, and art supplies. We also have age-appropriate activity sheets designed to help you follow along with the sermon. Look for all of these on the back table on Sunday mornings. And don’t forget your homework for Kids Club!

KIDS MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION WITH PARENTS

Children who wish are welcome to join in Communion with their parents’ permission. We do not exclude children or others from Communion on account of being unbaptized, or, children. For a biblical defence of this practice, listen to our message “Lessons in Table Manners” which you can download in MP3 format here.

AFTER WORD + TABLE

While grown-ups are chatting, it’s normal for kids to want to run around and play with friends. We encourage it! Parents: please keep an eye on your kids. See that they’re visible and safe at all times. For safety reasons, no child may re-enter the KidSpace room after Word + Table without a parent or leader. If your child finds his/her way in and makes a mess, we’ll also ask you (and them) to stay and help tidy the room back up.

NOTE TO PARENTS:

It’s super important that you understand that kids learn the importance of Sunday morning from parents. It’s you (not us) who sets the expectations and boundaries of what’s helpful and acceptable behaviour. If you’re anxious, expectant, annoyed, bored, grateful, or excited to be in church, your kids will know it, and behave accordingly. As early as possible, you can train your kids at home to look forward to worshiping with the rest of the church.

A few practical suggestions:

• Singing songs about Jesus at home can train them to do so with the church.

• Sitting still with you while you tell stories about Jesus can train them to learn from sermons.

• Teach your child ancient prayers and confessions like The Lord’s Prayer and The Apostles’ Creed.

• Feel free to whisper and explain the parts of the liturgy, and share answers to the sermon’s questions.

• Make the boundaries clear for your child. Times of prayer, singing, teaching, or communion are not when your child should be exploring the front of the room. If you’re not sure, read the room.

• Bring snacks.

• During prayers and songs, let your kids see and hear you participate. You’re not performing; you’re training them!

• Don’t be embarrassed if you need to remove your child from the room. (But please come back!)

Pace yourself. Give your children (and yourself!) grace as they learn. Being a kid isn’t easy! Remember that more is caught than taught, and it takes time. For kids who are new to church, it can take weeks (sometimes months) to ‘get’ what’s going on in Word + Table and participate. Similarly, it can take weeks (maybe months) before your kids can enjoy KidSpace without you there. But they will eventually. They really will! And it’s so worth it.

Please note: if your child has special needs, please speak to the pastor or others leaders before Word + Table, who’ll be glad to discuss ways we can support you and your child’s learning.

NOTE TO THE CHURCH:

The presence of children - even busy ones - is a blessing to the church, and a sign that God is at work growing and stretching us. Please welcome children, and support their parents. Don’t make it any harder than it already is. Instead: serve! If kids in front of you are wiggling and cranky, try making a funny face! If a kid squirms free of their parents and runs to the front of the room at an inappropriate time, you can serve them (and all of us) by gently bringing the child back to his or her parents. Any judgmental sneers, sighs, head shakes, eye rolls, etc., are really unhelpful, unkind, and don’t fit with the way of Jesus who said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matt. 19:14).