I think our church needs to be about . . . CHILDREN.
Holy Baptism !
Holy smoke, I say. ( Wasted opportunities, time after time. ) We treat this opportunity as a ” one of” when really, it can become a life long love of our Anglican way.
Young parents may not attend church, but they sure want their babe’s blessed in this ancient ritual.
Babes in arms offer a wonderful opportunity to engage the child’s family. The extended family too, as they often participate in the Christening. Let us . . . love them ! Invite them back, tell them we need them to do a small, specific task ( reading next Sunday ? ) Later, call to see how the baby is doing, send a card . . . casually, with kindness & interest. Odds are, out of ten babies baptised, a church could offer at least three families a home !
A Nursery; clean, bright & well equipped is an essential ministry. Volunteers can paint & reupholster old furniture. Nursing Mothers would appreciate the quiet spot. Infants and toddlers have a safe place to play while parents worship. Volunteers can, flexibly, take turns looking after the room 7 little ones.
Sunday School ! This is too often an area of gloom. People will come forward to be teachers, if clear lessons are available and they are honoured.
Children want God. They are intensely curious about Him. Stories of Jesus, told well, will be the rock each child builds their faith on.
The Diocese of Keewatin has a ” Virtual Sunday School,” on line. Each week’s lessons, tied to the lectionary, are downloadable.
A new Google Group, Canadian Anglican Sunday School Teachers” brings opportunities for all teachers, rural & urban, to share ideas and care about each other. Coast to coast to coast !
Clergy can offer children the chance to greet, to serve, to pass the collection plate, to read to make their own Prayers of the People.
Vestry can include children’s interests in each monthly meeting.
The parish will accept children, as soon as children begin to be more valued.
If this happens, our church will continue.
Thank you.
Coline B.
