Children Worship and Wonder

During the 11 am worship hour, children ages 3 through-4th grade have the opportunity to experience an innovative Montessori-based program called Children Worship & Wonder.  Children begin worship with their parents, and after hearing a special message for children, they are dismissed for the program, which is designed to engage children through Bible stories and worshipful experiences that help them experience the presence of God. 

Some of the features of this program include: 

1. Respect of Children. This program recognizes children as spiritual beings, who already have a relationship with God. In Children Worship & Wonder children are not seen as empty vessels for us (adults) to fill with our understanding of God. Adults are guides who offer space, tools, and language which help children deepen their already existing relationship with God. In Children Worship & Wonder we trust, that given the opportunity, children will bring their own life experiences to the stories of God and will receive what they need.
2. Encouragement of Imagination. There is not enough time and space in today's world for children to use their wonderful imaginations. Television, videos, and computer games rarely encourage children to call upon their own creative possibilities. There are too few places for children to learn about the gifts of quiet and solitude. Churches are uniquely equipped to offer these gifts.
3. Developmentally Appropriate. Children Worship & Wonder allows children to use all of their senses and motor skills. It includes lots of repetition and lots of ritual which children love.
4. Children Learn about God while Being in God's Presence. Children Worship & Wonder is worship. It is a chance for adults and children to worship together in a way that is meaningful for both.
5. Numbers do not Matter. This program can be done with one child or twenty children