Welcome!

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me..." --Jesus in Mark 9

Wat do we do to welcome children to our church? That question came to mind as I attended a workshop on welcoming visitors to church. I noticed there were lots of ideas on welcoming adults--packets and bags and videos and mugs and you-name-it. But no mention of making the children who visit us comfortable and well-received.

I think we're missing the boat here, and I kinda think Jesus would agree, based on the above (although some scholars think he was talking about those new to the faith-no matter). So what can we do during Lent especially, but beyond that season to always, what can we do to welcome children into our midst? Here's some ideas I have--what are yours? let me know--it will be a god way to practice the spiritual discipline of hospitality that Brian will speak on next Wednesday evening at Holden Prayer.

1. Speak directly to children, knowing that they can be shy. Don't speak down to them--get your face on their level. Ideally we should have child greeters and CIA (Christ in Action) agents on hand.

2. incorporate child friendly materials into welcome packets--a coloring page, a simple craft, a whacky novelty with the church's name on it, something for teens perhaps.

3. Support our nursery with your presence--sign up to do nursery once in awhile, even if you've no kids that age. A well-staffed nursery is good for kids as well as their parents. Support our Sunday School as teachers and by bringing your children regularly--a full house is easier for a child to integrate into.

4. invite them back again-to Sunday School, a youth event, to worship--whatever. A personal invitation to them will go a long way to making them feel valued as a person.

5. develop worship kits for visiting children. Maybe a children's bulletin, a treat to sample during the sermon, a pack of crayons, and a storybook--different things for different age groups.

The way we welcome them, is the way we welcome Christ in our midst--food for thought. Let's make it our discipline to welcome children graciously at all times!

Pastor Tom