Something positive about kids to put in the pew racks
The following is a text for a permission giving way of welcoming young children into worship, put their parents at ease and remind the adults of the church about their role as faith-sharers in the ministry of children. Please feel free to copy this resource and place it in your pew racks or print in the bulletin from time to time, especially when you might expect some new families to join you in worship.
To the parents of young children…
Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome in this place!
Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on. Children get tired of seeing the backs of others’ heads. Please feel free to quietly explain the parts of the service to you children.
Sing the hymns and respond to the prayers and scripture readings. Children learn how to worship by copying us. And, please let us know if they act out at home what they see in the church.
If you have to leave worship, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”
Remember the way we welcome children in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. We truly want them to know this house of worship as home.
And please allow your child to use the other side of this card to draw and doodle. We can always make more cards!
To members and visitors…
(insert the name of your church) loves children, and we appreciate the gift they are to us, and the reminder that our church family continues to grow.
Please welcome all children in our midst and give a smile of encouragement to their parents. This is one of the ways we continue to care and model God’s love for our children and their families, and affirm our “We will!” of faithful support for each child and his/her parents in the covenant of baptism.
(on the reverse side of the pew insert print:)
Draw a picture of what you see happening in church right now.