KIDS
We are creating space for our children to grow in faith, spiritual friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Learn more about our Milestones for Kids and Youth
FORMATION
WORD & TABLE
At All Souls, we value the practices of living out life together as followers of Jesus with our children. One of the practical implications of this value, is that our kids join us for a significant portion of Sunday Worship. The rhythms of our Sunday Worship liturgy together, modeling ancient Christian practices, loving our neighbors, the work of justice, all of these things are done alongside children.
Children hear and see, week after week, year after year, the rhythms of our liturgy and inhabiting the story of sacred time. They learn to pray alongside us and are invited to participate with us in the embodied movements of worship. They have a place at the table. We know that children can be wiggly and noisy, we welcome them to come as they are! We offer hospitality to children by welcoming them fully to be with us. It is good for us to be together. We hope that the children who are a part of our community will grow up to love the process of growing, being folded into the family of God and a love for imagination and curiosity— rather than the heavy burden of perfection and programs.
CLASSROOMS
All Souls Kids Classrooms are currently available for:
Preschool (ages 2 through PreK) — Children are dismissed before the scripture readings in our liturgy, parents pick up their children from the classroom the passing of the peace. During their time in the classroom, children will learn about the liturgical season, read stories from Scripture, build relationships with their peers and teachers, and participate in games and crafts.
Kindergarten through 2nd Grade — Children are dismissed before the scripture readings in our liturgy and return during the passing of the peace. During their time in the classroom, children will learn about the liturgical season, read stories from Scripture, build relationships with their peers and teachers, and participate in games and crafts.
3rd through 5th Grade — This class meets before worship, at 9:30am, and is taught by Pastor Bliss. This semester the class is working through the Lord’s Prayer line by line and discussing elements of our Sunday liturgy. More information about the Upper Elementary Formation Class, including resources for parents, is available here.
FAQ
Any suggestions on guiding my child through our liturgy?
Sit where your child can clearly see what is happening and all we are doing together.
Go through the liturgy guide and explain what to expect. Encourage them to listen for certain things that will be said or done. Tell them why different portions are included. Talk to them about worship as something that we do – and that we do together.
Encourage them to read along and follow what is happening. Everyone gets to join in. We’re okay with a child being a child. Really.
We have coloring supplies and activity pages available at the welcome table.
Encourage as much worship engagement as your child can tolerate. Allow them to be appropriately active.
Ask your child to whisper.
If these suggestions fail and you’re at wit’s end, don’t worry. Someone will probably offer to help – and you can feel free to ask. And, chances are, your children are not disturbing others nearly as much as they are frustrating you. Breathe deep. You and your children are welcome here.
What are your child safety procedures?
Anyone working with your children at All Souls receives a background screening.
We maintain multiple adult workers in the room with children and have a comprehensive Minors Safety and Abuse Prevention Policies.
We welcome any feedback, concerns or questions. We are here to serve you and your family.
What about Communion and Baptism?
Naturally, the question arises concerning when a child should participate in the Eucharist (communion). Coming with the community to the Lord’s Table can be one of the most formative experiences for any person, certainly a child. Many Christian traditions have some form of childhood catechism that works alongside the child’s baptism. This catechism allows the child to learn the Biblical story they will be participating in and to have some context for the gravity and joy of the grace offered in Jesus’ bread and wine.
Parents are of course the ones first entrusted to train their children in faith, and it seems wise for parents to encourage their kids to the Table after they have embraced Jesus’ story and received baptism (even if not in that order). If your child will not be eating or drinking at the Table, we still would love for them to come and participate. One of the pastors or elders serving communion would love to offer a blessing for your child if they are not receiving bread or wine/juice. As you come to the Table, please simply indicate that you would like your child to be blessed.
If you would like to discuss baptism for you or your child, we would love to talk with you. Also, whenever you are ready for your child to begin receiving communion, we would love to have a conversation with you and your child around the meaning and mystery of coming to the Lord’s Table with God’s community.
Resources
Overview of kids and families at All Souls
Application for Kid Workers (including permission for background check)
All Souls’ Minors Safety and Abuse Prevention Policies.