Options for Children during Church (during the summer months)
We would like to offer a little bit of information in the hope that it will be helpful as a guide to know what is available or not available for children during church services during the summer months when we do not have Sunday School.
First of all, let me emphasize that children are always welcome here. They are. Of course, everyone is welcome here (I hope they know that) but sometimes it is difficult for parents when their children are a little more "active" and they don't know what to do. For that reason, I'd like to offer some guidelines.
For infants and toddlers:
We have an unstaffed nursery in the back of the sanctuary. It is "unstaffed" meaning that a parent needs to be in the room with their child. The church does not have an assigned caregiver for the nursery. Infants and Toddlers are NOT required to be in the nursery. They are absolutely welcome to stay in the sanctuary the entire service. It is only there as a place of refuge if a parent finds it more comfortable there for their infant or toddler. We will stock some age appropriate toys in that room. Please do your best to put things back when done. Note also that it is a "nursery", meaning it is intended for infants and toddlers (children under the age of 3). It is not the general playroom for preschoolers and early elementary students (kids ages 3 and up).
For children ages 3 to grade 3:
During the school year, we offer Sunday School for children age 3 to grade 3. During the summer months, we do not have Sunday School. Depending on the attentiveness and development of your child, we offer a couple of options.
One; we do have some activity sheets along with markers and clipboards at the back of the church. The intention is for parents to make these available to their children after children's corner. As much as possible, we encourage parents to teach their children to join them in singing during the worship service. But we also understand that younger children will have a hard time during the sermon. For that reason, we offer these materials. Of course, you are the best judge of what is suitable for your child, and you are most welcome to bring your own materials, activity books, whatever, for your child to use.
Two: if your preschooler needs room to run around and be more active (especially during the sermon), we do have the foyer available as well as the double Sunday School room downstairs (under the foyer). We ask that you make use of these areas (being mindful, that even the foyer isn't the best place for loud activity). In the foyer, there is a television where you can at least watch the service live. There is no live stream in the double Sunday School room (in the basement) but we can put some age appropriate toys in there. Again, we are not asking you to take your children out of the service... it is only being offered for your convenience. We only ask that you stay with your child, or assign someone that you trust to take responsibility, to look after your child. It is not something that we are managing or supervising.
Outside:
We discourage the use of the deck during the church service, as the noise of children playing on the deck will be disruptive.
Snacks:
Which kid doesn't love snacks? I know I do. Snacks are a great way to keep kids occupied. My suggestion (request) is that they are dry snacks... things that are easily vacuumed up. Dry cookies. Dry cereal. That sort of thing. Moist foods (cakes) or pudding type foods will not clean up off the seats or floor. Same with chewing gum. Yes, there are sightings of chewing gum stuck on the carpet. As for drinks, I encourage you to bring water. Juice, pop, etc will not clean up easily. Water is no problem. This is also why we discourage coffee in the sanctuary. Not because it is unholy, but because people tend to put their cup/mug on the floor and then it accidentally gets kicked over. Water is great!
Vacation Bible School
While I have your attention, let me remind you that Vacation Bible School is coming the week of August 19 to 23. It is held in the evenings, starting at 6:15 pm and going to 8:30 pm each night. Pre-registration is now open. You can pre-register at this link: https://www.whitehorsenazarene.org/vbs-registration.html
Sunday School
We are so looking forward to Sunday school start up in the fall. We have a great line-up of children and we have some dedicated volunteers (teachers), but with the wonderfully growing number of children, more teacher volunteers would be a huge blessing. Teachers don't need to commit to being involved every week; but on a rotating schedule. There are some requirements (including a criminal record check) so if you are interested in getting involved in the fall, now is the time to speak to Pastor Heather. She would LOVE to hear from you (as I would too).
Finally...
Whatever you do, don't give up bringing your children with you to church. I can't emphasize enough how important that is. And not just once in a while. Children will quickly notice when "other events" take priority over coming to church. I have seen far too many children lose interest as they grow up, and in most cases (not all) it is in families where church participation was not consistent and regular.
Thanks so much for caring. We do care for you and your family. I am here for you, and if there is any way I can serve your family, please do let me know.
Blessings,
Pastor Norman
First of all, let me emphasize that children are always welcome here. They are. Of course, everyone is welcome here (I hope they know that) but sometimes it is difficult for parents when their children are a little more "active" and they don't know what to do. For that reason, I'd like to offer some guidelines.
For infants and toddlers:
We have an unstaffed nursery in the back of the sanctuary. It is "unstaffed" meaning that a parent needs to be in the room with their child. The church does not have an assigned caregiver for the nursery. Infants and Toddlers are NOT required to be in the nursery. They are absolutely welcome to stay in the sanctuary the entire service. It is only there as a place of refuge if a parent finds it more comfortable there for their infant or toddler. We will stock some age appropriate toys in that room. Please do your best to put things back when done. Note also that it is a "nursery", meaning it is intended for infants and toddlers (children under the age of 3). It is not the general playroom for preschoolers and early elementary students (kids ages 3 and up).
For children ages 3 to grade 3:
During the school year, we offer Sunday School for children age 3 to grade 3. During the summer months, we do not have Sunday School. Depending on the attentiveness and development of your child, we offer a couple of options.
One; we do have some activity sheets along with markers and clipboards at the back of the church. The intention is for parents to make these available to their children after children's corner. As much as possible, we encourage parents to teach their children to join them in singing during the worship service. But we also understand that younger children will have a hard time during the sermon. For that reason, we offer these materials. Of course, you are the best judge of what is suitable for your child, and you are most welcome to bring your own materials, activity books, whatever, for your child to use.
Two: if your preschooler needs room to run around and be more active (especially during the sermon), we do have the foyer available as well as the double Sunday School room downstairs (under the foyer). We ask that you make use of these areas (being mindful, that even the foyer isn't the best place for loud activity). In the foyer, there is a television where you can at least watch the service live. There is no live stream in the double Sunday School room (in the basement) but we can put some age appropriate toys in there. Again, we are not asking you to take your children out of the service... it is only being offered for your convenience. We only ask that you stay with your child, or assign someone that you trust to take responsibility, to look after your child. It is not something that we are managing or supervising.
Outside:
We discourage the use of the deck during the church service, as the noise of children playing on the deck will be disruptive.
Snacks:
Which kid doesn't love snacks? I know I do. Snacks are a great way to keep kids occupied. My suggestion (request) is that they are dry snacks... things that are easily vacuumed up. Dry cookies. Dry cereal. That sort of thing. Moist foods (cakes) or pudding type foods will not clean up off the seats or floor. Same with chewing gum. Yes, there are sightings of chewing gum stuck on the carpet. As for drinks, I encourage you to bring water. Juice, pop, etc will not clean up easily. Water is no problem. This is also why we discourage coffee in the sanctuary. Not because it is unholy, but because people tend to put their cup/mug on the floor and then it accidentally gets kicked over. Water is great!
Vacation Bible School
While I have your attention, let me remind you that Vacation Bible School is coming the week of August 19 to 23. It is held in the evenings, starting at 6:15 pm and going to 8:30 pm each night. Pre-registration is now open. You can pre-register at this link: https://www.whitehorsenazarene.org/vbs-registration.html
Sunday School
We are so looking forward to Sunday school start up in the fall. We have a great line-up of children and we have some dedicated volunteers (teachers), but with the wonderfully growing number of children, more teacher volunteers would be a huge blessing. Teachers don't need to commit to being involved every week; but on a rotating schedule. There are some requirements (including a criminal record check) so if you are interested in getting involved in the fall, now is the time to speak to Pastor Heather. She would LOVE to hear from you (as I would too).
Finally...
Whatever you do, don't give up bringing your children with you to church. I can't emphasize enough how important that is. And not just once in a while. Children will quickly notice when "other events" take priority over coming to church. I have seen far too many children lose interest as they grow up, and in most cases (not all) it is in families where church participation was not consistent and regular.
Thanks so much for caring. We do care for you and your family. I am here for you, and if there is any way I can serve your family, please do let me know.
Blessings,
Pastor Norman