| Welcoming the Child
in the Pew
During the 8:30 and 11:00 service there is a special
children's moment with the minister on the sanctuary
steps. Children experience the scripture message or
sermon in an interactive message from the minister.
Children are an important part of our worshipping community.
We strive to incorporate children into the total life
of the mission of the church so that they will be nurtured
into a growing relationship with God. Children are not
only the church of tomorrow they are an important part
of the church now. We are serious about raising the
next generation of God's people
Parents sometimes wonder at what age children should
be encouraged to stay with them for the worship service.
Each family must make the decision individually based
upon the child. Children learn by modeling adults. This
is very true of the worship experience. It is not always
easy for parents or other worshippers to have children
in worship but as we come together we can provide positive
experiences for all. The benefits of helping to lead
children will far outweigh the difficulties.
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Tips for Parents in Worship
Children who are prepared for worship have a much more
positive experience! Participation is the key.
* Choose a place
to sit where your child can see.
* Visit the restroom
with your child before worship.
* Pick up a Worship
activity pack in the Narthex, along with a children's
bulletin. (Children learn best when their hands are
busy.)
* Mark the pages
of the hymns and scripture readings.
* If children
cannot read, encourage them to hum the tunes.
* Encourage your
child to stand when the congregation stands (this encourages
participation and stretches muscles).
* A coin offering
teaches sharing. When the offering plate is passed,
let your child put money in and pass it on to the next
person. Set the example of giving by always placing
something in the offering plate yourself. This demonstrates
visually that as a part of our faith we give to the
church. Offering has been noted to be a favorite part
of the service for children. They can be active and
participate in giving.
* Use the worship
time as a time when you can be close to your child.
Let them know how much you value their worship experience.
* Play church
at home. Let children practice for the worship experience.
Answer your child's questions about worship.
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Special Worship
Opportunities for Children and Families
Baby Dedication
The arrival of a child is a
very joyous time in the life of a family. The arrival
brings cards of congratulations, new traditions, celebrations
and responsibilities.
We are blessed at Country Club
Christian Church with the birth of many babies into
the life of our congregation. The Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ) tradition has its roots in ancient Jewish
traditions. This is not a baptism or a christening such
as many of our sister churches offer. This is a special
moment for the family to join in a renewed bond of support
from clergy, staff, and the congregation of Country
Club Christian Church as they join together to consecrate
themeselves to the task of bringing up the infant in
the knowledge and service of God.
To provide a more intimate opportunity for families
and the congregation to welcome new life into the church,
we offer frequent opportunities for babies to be dedicated.
Families may choose from a selected list of Sundays
and worship times that best suits each family. To arrange
a time of dedication for your child, please contact
the church, 816-333-4917.
Bible Presentation to Third
Grade Children
Country Club Christian
Church continues the church tradition of presenting
to our third grade class a Bible as a gift. This tradition
has been practiced for many years as a special rite
of passage in the child's Christian education. This
presentation is done on the first Sunday of the fall
promotion, generally in mid-August as students begin
a new school year.
Special Events
Throughout the year the
children's special events committee will create meaningful
experiences for children to be included in the liturgical
seasons of advent and lent, as well as all church educational
and fellowship opportunities. Some events to look forward
to include: Lenten liturgical celebrations, Thanksgiving dinner, Advent, and Christmas
Eve Service.
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