Children in Worship at ELPC
We believe that having children engaged in the life of the congregation—sharing meals, singing hymns, offering prayers, telling stories, laughing together and all the things community encompasses—is a powerful way for children to learn about our faith.
We are also grateful for the gifts that children bring to our community and our worship. For these reasons we consider worship, congregational meals, and shared fellowship an important part of our Children’s Ministry programs. In order to make worship inclusive of children at every developmental level we offer the following resources for families with children. For questions on any of the Children’s Ministry programs, contact the Rev. Heather Schoenewolf at 412.441.3800 x221. Many programs—including Extended Session —require an enrollment form.
Nursery
Children from birth through age 3 (who have not started pre-school) gather in the nursery for a simple faith lesson and a time of free play. Our Young Children’s Ministry team includes parents and ELPC Childcare Workers. They serve the youngest children at ELPC by creating a loving environment that nurtures each child’s faith through developmentally appropriate activities. The nursery is open from 8:30 am–12:30 pm, each Sunday during the school year, and from 9:30–11:30 am during the summer. We are pleased to offer the curriculum Wee Children at Church.
Children and Journey Worship
Held in the Social Hall on the church’s lower level, this simple service of music, scripture, sermon and prayer is an engaging and interactive service for people of all ages. Children often enjoy dancing and clapping to the music, raising their hands to ask for prayer during our shared time joys and concerns, or playing quietly on a cozy blanket the floor. This informal, intimate service of praise is a comfortable and Spirit-filled environment for worshipers of all ages. Although all children are welcome in worship, the nursery is also open for families with children age three or younger, who feel that a loving environment of free-play and prayer better meets their family’s needs.
Children and Sanctuary Worship
Kids’ Corner
All children are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” near the East Transept doors. There are activities that will engage older children in the service as well as Bibles for readers of all ages.
Children’s Message
All children are invited to the Chancel steps for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during our Sanctuary service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.
Extended Session
After the children’s time on the steps, those in preschool through first grade are welcome to participate in our Extended Session program, where they are excused from the Sanctuary. The scripture for each week is explored through story and craft activity and a light snack is shared. Classes are led by a group of ELPC parent volunteers and are coordinated by Sara Hackett, ELPC’s Coordinator of Christian Education and Youth Ministry. Children are asked to bring a green “ticket” (available at the worship service) with them each week to Extended Session so that our volunteers are aware of their names, parent/caregiver, and any special needs. New families are asked to accompany their children to Extended Session for the first time and complete a registration form. Children who are younger than preschool age are invited to go to the Nursery following the Children’s message. The nursery is available from 8:30 am–12:30 pm. A parent or caregiver is asked to drop their child off in person at the nursery before returning to worship. Please note, however, that children of all ages are always welcome to remain in worship.
Worship Leaders
Children of all ages can help be liturgists, children and youth in 4th grade and above regularly serve as acolytes, crucifer, and ushers.
Children and Summer Worship
Kids’ Corner
All children are invited to visit our “Kid’s Corner” located along the wall of the courtyard, on the bench. There are activities that will engage older children in the service, as well as Youth Bulletins and Bibles for readers of all ages.
Children’s Message
All children are invited to come forward and sit on the rug for their special time with a member of our Pastoral staff during the service each week. Children hear a special lesson and have prayer time together.
Extended Session
After the children’s, time those in preschool through first grade are welcome to participate in our Extended Session program. The scripture for each week is explored through story and a craft activity, and a light snack is shared. Classes are led by the nursery staff and a group of ELPC parent volunteers and are coordinated by Sara Hackett, ELPC’s Coordinator of Christian Education and Youth Ministry. Children are asked to bring a green “ticket” (available at the worship service) with them each week to Extended Session so that our volunteers are aware of their names, parent/caregiver, and any special needs. New families are asked to accompany their children to Extended Session for the first time and complete a registration form. Children who are younger than preschool age are invited to go to the Nursery following the Children’s message. The nursery is available from 9:30 am–11:30 am. A parent or caregiver is asked to drop their child off in person at the nursery before returning to worship. Please note, however, that children of all ages are always welcome to remain in worship.