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Holy Trinity Preschool
Holy Trinity Preschool's doors have been open since 1999.
We are a Christian based preschool within a traditional setting.
We serve children age 3 and age 4 and have morning classes
For more information, please contact
Helen Glowacki, Preschool Director
at (315) 685-5820
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www.holytrinitypreschool.com |
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| Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God
belongs to such as these." - Matthew 10:14
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The Small Child in the Pew |
When little children come to church, adults sometimes wonder why! Let me suggest that bringing children into the sanctuary is something like letting them eat at the dinner table, even though their manners are far from elegant – it’s done in the hope that, given time, they’ll begin to feel a part of the family.
Children giggle, they poke, and they swing their legs simply because they’re children. But they also sing, pray, and give with us. So this little pamphlet is written to suggest that we adults should accept even value the children’s restlessness during worship, trusting that they are also learning:
- that it’s important to come to this place each Sunday;
- That they belong to this special company of people;
- That the sights and sound and feels of the sanctuary are good – though not always understandable;
- That something is expected of them in this place, and that they may respond in song, in prayer, and in offering.
AGE 3-6: This age child spends considerable time climbing off and on the pew; may wander down the aisle if allowed to sit on the end seat; insists on a personal bulletin, keeps it in constant noisy motion, and clings to it tenaciously if a parent reaches over to grab it; fits toes nicely into the hymnbook racks and finds that more comfortable than letting them hang down.
But let’s look for a moment at the other things that are happening at the same time: This child can find the page numbers of the hymns and have them ready for singing; may sing along with everybody else albeit with unrecognizable words; adds voice to the Lord’s Prayer, pleasing both self and parents; wants to hold the offering plate as it goes by (risky) and adds an envelope to its contents, perhaps sensing that worship involves giving.
AGE 7: The seven year old generally sits in place unless there is an acceptable reason for moving, the best one being a dropped bulletin. More than once during the service, the seven year old’s bulletin flutters to the floor, landing well under the pew ahead. It is always followed by a small body that wiggles under various feet, and returns grinning triumphantly. While feet are closer to the floor at this age, the hymnbook rack is still handier, but the increase in shoe size creates a risk that the feet will get stuck there causing a minor panic.
Just stop to consider though – this child can do some new things. The seven year old knows when to sit and when to stand; sings the choral responses, particularly if those nearby are singing; finds the hymns from the bulletin, and is a good hymnbook holder; is excited to discover some readable words in the prayers or hymns; and is beginning to apply reading skill to matters of the faith.
AGE 8: This child can handle the bulletin with more agility – in fact, has learned to fold it into an airplane; has also learned not to sail said airplane over the heads of the congregation, but enjoys threatening to do so. Swings feet back and forth creating a discernable rocking sensation, often hitting legs or bumping pew ahead; pretends to take money out of the offering plate instead of putting it in; licks lips and looks painfully hungry when sees the bread and wine on Communion Sunday.
But there is another story: The eight year old can read the bulletin and can find the scripture lesson and follow along as the minister reads. This child also knows that we read a bymnbook differently from other books and follows the hymns pretty well with a helping finger. There is eagerness to sing in the choir – a real sign of readiness for fuller participation. This child usually mutters along on the Apostles’ Creed and may surprise everyone by asking who Pontius Pilate was, and how Jesus rose from the dead, and why we believe in the holy catholic church when we are Protestants – fairly good questions for a young Christian to be asking!
SO! Bringing your primary child to church can be a real exercise in aggrevation. But then again, so are many other facets of parenting and we manage our way through them. Of course, we do not want our children to be disruptive or hamper the church’s worship. But we must remember that baptized children are members of the church, and children should be among the worshipping people. They may not participate just the way adults do, but they are growing in understanding and learning to take their places in the church family. Proverbs 22:6 says that if we teach a child how to live, that experience will be remembered throughout life. Young children in worship may have bad moments, but it is their birthright as Christians to worship. Our satisfaction comes in later years when we see them stand in the midst of the church with a faith of their own.
ABC’S FOR PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS
PARENTS, have your children use the bathrooms and drinking fountain before service begins so that trips from the sanctuary aren’t necessary during the worship service.
ARRIVE in time to find a good place to sit. Make sure your children can see. Let them sit on the aisle or use the front pews.
BRING something along for little ones to hold or look at – something soft and quiet – crayons, drawing paper.
CALL a “practice session” at home. The Lord’s Prayer, Hymn of Praise & Offertory can be practiced to help kids keep up with the speed of adults.
DECIDE on a cue to let children know that they are to settle down.
EXPRESS joy at having children worship with you. Send an occasional smile in their direction.
FREE yourself of anxieties. Relax!
GIVE thanks to God for the presence of children.
HELP parents of small children by showing your appreciation and your support of OUR CHILDREN
IT IS VITAL FOR EACH OF US TO RECOGNIZE THAT THERE MUST BE GIVE AND TAKE IN THIS MATTER. PARENTS OF CHILDREN MUST ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO BEHAVE AS QUIETLY AS POSSIBLE IN KEEPING WITH THEIR STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT. OTHER ADULTS MUST WORK AT DEVELOPING PATIENCE AND AT RECOGNIZING THAT THE CHILDREN OF OUR CHURCH ARE ITS FUTURE. | | |
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