While their parents and older siblings are worshiping in the main sanctuary at the 10:00 a.m. service each Sunday, children from pre-kindergarten through second grade are using a shorter, more simplified service based on the Rite II Eucharist. They join their parents in church to receive communion.
The Children's Chapel service gives our children an opportunity to become familiar with the form of the service, the Apostle’s Creed, Prayers of the People, and hymns from the 1982 Hymnal and Lift Every Voice and Sing.
One scripture lesson, usually the Gospel of the day, is read from a simplified translation of the Bible. (Other Bible stories are used when the day’s reading seems inappropriate for the age group.) Before hearing the lesson the children are given specific things to listen for. An interactive discussion follows as a sermon.
The children serve as crucifers, acolytes, and ushers. They take up the offering and lead the prayers.
An activity period precedes the 20-minute worship when games emphasize Bible stories or aspects of worship. During the past year the children learned about different types of prayer. Before the summer break each one received a booklet as a reminder of that study.
A corps of very ready and willing volunteers provides piano accompaniment for the service. In addition, each week an adult (usually a parent) helps by being present, reading the Bible lesson, gently keeping order, and doing what is needed.
Everyone is welcome to visit the Children's Chapel service on the top floor of the annex and worship with the children. It is important to have older people attend so that the children who do not read can hear the responses every Sunday and learn them.
