Children's Liturgy

As soon as the lector has finished reading the epistle, the Celebrant stands and announces that during the singing of the sequence hymn the children will gather in the narthex for the Children’s Liturgy. As the organ begins to play children leave their pews, some with parents in tow, not to be seen (or heard from) again until the exchange of the Peace. Where do they go and what do they do, and what is a narthex?

Narthex. An entry space, foyer, or anteroom of a church between the door and the nave. The term is from the Greek for a “small case.” It may also serve as a place for gathering.

Whether we gather together under the trees outside or cram into the choir room on colder mornings, Children’s Liturgy begins with a gathering song from Psalm 118, “This is the day”; a simple repetitive tune with hand motions. Motion is a key component of the children’s liturgy which began as a way to help our younger parishioners cope with the wordy part of the service; the gospel, the sermon and the Prayers of the People. All those elements are a part of the children’s liturgy but in more child friendly form. After our song is over we sit down to hear a story, chosen with the lessons read that Sunday in mind. The reader usually concludes by asking the children a question about how to apply the lesson in the story to daily living. The answers from the children are thoughtful, pointed, and frequently insightful and we usually share a laugh.

Now we’re all ready to move and Mr. Kimble gets out his guitar. Sometimes we shake our sillies out. Sometimes we know we’re happy so we clap our hands. The children love it when we march in the light of God and we‘re learning that early in the morning God can call us by name. The singing is joyful and spirited; giving all those wiggles a good outlet. The prayer we say together next begins, “Glory to God as the angels sing,” and again we use our hands as well as our voices to pray together for all God’s people, including ourselves. Then we greet each other in the Peace of the Lord, greeting old friends and meeting new. Sometimes we have time to sing another quieter song about the love of God surrounding us everywhere we go. Before we know it, it is time to go back to our families in the pews to share the Eucharist together.

The Children’s liturgy at St. Anne’s began as a way to respond to the needs of some of our youngest parishioner’s. The format is designed for preschool and primary grade children. It can be hard to sit still when your feet can’t rest on the ground and you can’t see over the pew in front of you. Children will respond to worship if given an opportunity to use their hearts and minds and voices. The little community that hears the good news sitting on the ground and sings God’s praise with a dance step or two comes later to the Eucharistic feast knowing that they are a beloved part of the family of God.

Everyone is encouraged to share in this ministry. To volunteer to be a storyteller, please contact Connie for more information.