Children in Worship

St. John’s welcomes children into all of our worship and we find our life enriched by children’s presence. We desire to be sensitive in our ministry for children and support their presence among us, considering not only children of parish families, but also the friends who might worship with them. To that end,

† Rocking chairs are available at the rear of the church for parents with infants.

† Parents are welcome to move about with their children in the rear of the church, if that is helpful to their children.

† Sunday mornings are structured so that children may be in worship for the entire time of the service.

† All baptized children are welcome to receive Holy Communion at whatever age. If you are not familiar with this and would like to know more for yourself in order to be comfortable with it, or to arrange for some instruction for your children, please contact one of the clergy.

† Older youth can consider singing with the adult choir every Sunday of the program year.

† Younger youth can consider singing with the youth choir for special services as announced.

† Children are welcome to share in the ministries of acolyte, lesson reader, usher, and Altar Guild. The only requirement is the physical ability and maturity to be able to undertake the ministry in question, and we recognize that this varies from child to child.

In addition, we make a special effort to include children and families during Holy Week:

† On Maundy Thursday our liturgy is at dinnertime and includes a fellowship meal and the foot-washing ceremony, as well as communion. This liturgy utilizes several spaces in the church, so there is plenty of movement.