Children are welcomed and encouraged to be part of the family of faith at Fairview. Parents know the challenges this brings and so this article provides some practical tips for you to prepare your children for Sunday.
The following are some suggested activities to prepare your children to get the most from the weekly gathering where we worship God together.
The Week Before
- Review any notes or comments your children made from the Sunday prior.
- Discuss what was learned as a result of listening to God’s word last Sunday.
- Practice singing the songs for the upcoming week. They’ll be much more excited and feel included when they know the songs.
- Discuss the meaning of any difficult words in the songs and talk about their theology.
- The above should all be done as part of the daily practice of Family Worship. This will provide opportunity for young children to practice sitting to listen to God’s word, standing to sing, praying, and receiving instruction. Children will be best suited to sit well on Sunday when you’ve made this part of their daily routine.
The Day Before
- Pray for Sunday’s services and the people that will be leading them. Pray that in each part of the service God will be exalted. Pray that your children will have ears to hear and understand.
- Gather any materials your child will need for Sunday (note book, clipboard, pencil, Bible, stickers, snacks, etc.). Saturday evening is the time to prepare for Sunday morning!
- Review with your children the schedule of events and make expectations clear. What are their boundaries for the fellowship meal? What time do we need to begin breakfast? Where are they going for Sunday School?
- Make sure both you and your children get a good rest for the next day. If you are getting up early, you need to get to bed early. Tired children are cranky children (same goes for parents).
- Have the children help prepare a meal or dessert for the Fellowship Meal giving them opportunity to serve and be part of the church.
On the Day of Worship
- Get up early and allow enough time to get ready with a good breakfast.
- Bring the materials you gathered the night before.
- Arrive early to get settled and allow enough time to get where you are going.
- Take or send your child to the bathroom before entering Sunday School or the worship service.
- In order to reduce confusion you may want to establish a place where your family regularly sits.
- Encourage your child to great others in the church and introduce themselves to new comers.
- Point out announcements that are pertinent to them or your family.
- During the service encourage your child to participate through song, prayer and listening.
- During the sermon help them in filling out the sermon handout.
- Encourage them to open their Bibles and follow along.
- Pray that God will speak to the heart of your child. They are taking in more than you realize.
- After the worship, don’t rush home but understand the importance of fellowship for you and your children. The Fellowship Meal can be a great time for your children. Make sure to teach them ways to be considerate and serve others.