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If you are
worshipping with us at Alamance for
the first time, you might notice
something different about our
worship experience than many or most
other churches. We believe strongly
that children learn by doing,
specifically, they learn to worship
by worshipping in a community of
adults and children. We recognize
that children do not always have the
attention span to sit and quietly
pay attention to the worship
service, though and are tolerant of
a little squirming and have
facilities available to take care of
the squirmies. Please understand
that children are welcome and
encouraged to participate in worship
at Alamance.
Busy Bags -
Available in the narthex. They are
generally age appropriate from birth
through elementary school with a
variety of quiet toys and
activities.
Children’s Bulletins – Contain
puzzles and activities relevant to
the lessons for the week, generally
require some reading.
Children’s Sermon – There is a
children’s sermon each week, with
special opportunities for children
during special services such as
baptisms, where the children join
the worship leaders in the chancel
so they can see and participate
better.
Opportunities to serve during
worship – Children serve God and the
congregation from a very early age
at Alamance. Very young
(preschoolers) children have the
opportunity to serve as communion
assistants. School age children
serve as acolytes, crucifers and
lectors. Many of our worship
assistants are teenagers.
Music –
There are children’s bell and voice
choirs, opportunities to play Orff
instruments and we always welcome
special music offerings.
Bawl Room
– There is a bawl room off the
narthex where you may take a squally
baby and still be part of worship.
There is
a nursery down the hall through the
door under the pulpit (also
accessible through outside doors to
the church office and educational
wings)
Youth
Sundays – We have periodic youth
Sundays where the youth lead worship
Youth
Worship style – Our worship style,
whether in a contemporary or a more
traditional worship service is
active. There are not long periods
where children have to sit still.
Encourage children to stand and
participate and they will be active
participants in worship.
Children’s liturgy – Pastor Lockley
has pamphlets available for children
that explain the liturgy.
Silly
games – Whose initials are in the
ceiling? Find the upside-down panel
in the stained glass. Count the
crosses in the nave. Follow the life
of Christ in the windows.
Ring the
bell. Make some noise! After
worship, encourage children to ask
Pastor Lockley if they can ring the
bell. Really little ones may need
some help to get it moving
If there
is something that you and your
children need to make worshipping
God more fulfilling, please mention
it.
We are
very committed to having children
participate in worship and
worshipping with the community as a
whole and feel this is something
that sets Alamance Lutheran Church
apart from other churches.
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