For a child who can follow to some degree the progress of the service, a booklet is available to help the child to understand what is happening and how to respond. Non-reading children can color the pictures, and older children will find worksheets which can be completed. Even very young children can soon learn the responses.
Coloring pages are also available, representing a variety of biblical stories and events. Materials may be taken home so the child can continue to enjoy and learn.
An optional story time is available for children ages 5-8, during the sermon and prayers. Children are led by an adult children’s leader from the worship service at the time of the Sequence Hymn following the Gospel reading. The children do activities relating to that day’s scripture readings. The experience is provided for the children in an age-appropriate way that can make the scripture come alive for them.
The adult children’s leader returns the children to the service during the Passing of the Peace, before Holy Communion, so that the children can receive Communion with everyone else.
Participation in the story time is completely voluntary. Children of all ages are welcome in the Epworth Sunday service and are welcome to remain with their parents for the entire service.
For ages 4 and under, the nursery/playroom at the back of our sanctuary is quiet, comfortable, safe, clean and semi-private. Use of the room is limited to well children and babies. A window and sound monitor make it possible to see and hear the worship service, and service materials are provided so the caregiver may continue to participate in the worship.
Use of the room is entirely voluntary, and parents are welcome to keep their children with them in the service.