Families Are Invited to Explore Faith Together at Christ Church
Do you want to teach your children about God, but don’t quite know where to start? Last fall Christ Episcopal Church in Bethany embarked on a new way to help families grow in faith through their new Children’s Chapel, which supports parents in teaching their children about faith and spirituality. Rather than segregating children into separate Sunday School classes while parents go to church, families are invited to come to church and grow in faith together.
The Children’s Chapel is a special place for children, as full members of the church, to experience God’s love and to learn about Jesus and the Episcopal liturgy through stories, song and prayer.
The worship space of the church has a few special child-friendly spaces for kids where kids can feel at home during the service. And when it is sermon time, children from age 5 through 5th grade are welcome to go over to the library for Children’s Chapel, which is an age appropriate exploration of the day’s readings along with songs and prayers. Because Children’s Chapel is based on Sunday lectionary reading, families all explore the same Scripture each week, giving them the opportunity to talk together later about what they heard that morning. Last year, many of the parents went over to the library and attended and enjoyed Children’s Chapel right along with their children and are very welcome to do so this year, too. After Children’s Chapel, the whole intergenerational community gathers back together again to share in communion together.
Following the service, the parish enjoys time together with snacks and conversation. Children are welcome to enjoy this fellowship, play in the toy room, or pull out the ping pong table or play bean bag toss.
Families report that taking part in the Christ Church community has provided support, friendship and new meaning in their lives. Children and parents alike have had the chance to learn about faith while sharing in worship, making friends, and discovering how God is calling us to make a real difference in our hurting world. The Episcopal tradition is a place where ancient traditions nourish modern lives. We have deep, deep roots, but our spiritual faith is not set in stone.
Children’s Chapel takes place weekly at the 9:30 AM service. Questions? Contact Shirley Skolozdra
