When we gather on Sunday mornings, we gather to do something. We gather to worship. Another word for worship is liturgy: it is our work. It is our sacrifice of thanks and praise to God for all of God's blessings to us. Liturgy means work of the people, and liturgy, at its best, is the work of all the people of God--from the tiniest baby to the oldest grandpa.
I recently read a great article about children in worship. A pastor was writing about his church, and he said:
My own congregation is a happy church...My formula for a happy, flexible and cohesive church? Contained liturgical chaos thorugh free-range toddlers...That means regular attendance at liturgy with their parents, reception of the Eucharist and early participation in lectoring, acolyting, choir, workdays, and dishwashing..."
I'd like to get a little more of a free-range toddler vibe in our congregation. If you have a toddler, let it toddle, even up to the altar. If your child thinks the service is too long, teach him or her how to follow the liturgy, to sing it, and then sign him or her up for reading or acolyting or ushering or any number of other things we have to do. Since babies are important and welcome and noisy, you, as a parent may feel like you need to take them out for a few minutes--feel free to come in and out as you feel best.
The point is, church is a place for everyone, and everyone has a part. Babies and children, when they participate in the work of the liturgy also become formed in faith because they are doing their faith with their family.
So--don't worry if your toddler toddles, or your children sing really loudly. Rather, praise God that they're worshipping and growing in the faith.
Pastor John
