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Childcare

“I can’t worship when my child is in service with me.”
“My child needs something to do while we worship.”
“I want my child to enjoy church.”
“I just need a break.”
 Perhaps you’ve said or thought these things.  These are sincere comments from good parents.  It is a challenge to attend church services with our children sitting – or wiggling – beside us.  Before explaining our Nursery ministry, let’s consider what God says about worship. Meet together (Hebrews 10:25)with gladness (Psalm 100), bow down to the Lord (Exodus 34:8, Psalm 95:6), giving thanks and praise (2 Chronicles 7:3), with confession and repentance (Nehemiah 9:3, Job 1), and with song, dancing, and instruments (Psalm 149),  Hear the word of the LORD (Jeremiah 7:2), together with all people, everywhere (Zephaniah 2:11, Revelation 15:4), Serve God only (Deuteronomy 6:13), in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).  offering your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1) While these are only a small sampling on the topic, it confirms that worship is about more than sitting still and being quiet.  For every one of us, worshipping God requires commitment of heart, soul, mind, and strength.  As parents, we are to raise our children in the church.  This does not imply raising children in a building, but rather within the family of God, so that they might see faith proclaimed and lived out by those in their community.   When it comes to children, God’s word is clear.  Many times over, scripture instructs us to “teach your children.”  He insists that children be taught about the mighty character, works, and promises of our God.  These passages can probably be summed up by the words of our Savior, “let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” (Matthew 19:14)   We believe that parents are the primary influence on a child’s faith.  It is foremost a parent’s sacred honor to teach Who, why, and how we worship.  As a Christian community, it is our covenant privilege to join parents in teaching the next generation about our holy, living, and gracious God. We come with joy because he calls us His children, and we bring our households with us!  Our view of children’s programs is best described by this promise:  Children are welcome in our worship and community. 

 

What does this look like in our community?
 Parents often wonder if anyone will help them instruct and train their family.  Our Nursery Ministry flows out of our commitment to help parents and children learn to worship.  It is our joy to share the good news of Christ with people of all ages.  Here is a brief overview of nursery at The Table: Infants. We have a space available for parents who want a private place to care for their babies during worship services. The “Mothers Room” is upstairs, near the nursery classrooms. There are available speakers so you can continue to hear and participate in the service. Babies.  Little ones who spend part or all of the worship service in the Infant Nursery will be prayed with, sung to, read to, and loved.  They will have plenty of time play and rest in a safe, nurturing environment. We hope they will begin to know that God loves them, and look forward to spending time with His people. Toddlers. One and two year-olds who are walking steadily can continue learning to worship in our Toddler Nursery.  In addition to “nursery style” bible songs, we will also learn choruses of hymns that are commonly sung in our worship services.  Plenty of time is given for fellowship and active play, further building their sense of community.  Teachers will lead prayers for the children and read a short bible lesson each week.   Preschoolers.  Three and four year-olds continue to build their worship skills. Worship leaders lead songs of praise and children are given opportunities to join in prayer. They’ll enjoy time for fellowship and play, further building community.  Children learn a short scripture passage each week, and teachers present a bible story and lesson.  We do creative activities related to the lesson, and a take-home idea sheet is given to parents to follow-up throughout the week. A Christian Community.  From five year-old children to adults, our corporate service gathers together a diverse group of people.  Each week we worship the true God.  We are led in songs of praise and communal prayer.  We take time for fellowship to build authentic community.  We read scripture from the bible, and a lesson is preached each week. A children’s bulletin provides creative space and activities related to the scripture.  This bulletin, pod casts, and life groups can give families opportunities to follow-up on the lesson throughout the week. We encourage parents to invite their children to join them for any or all of the worship service. Our nursery is available for children 3 months through 4 years old, and you may check-in and out at any time. Everyone must follow our health and security policies, and first-time visitors need to complete a short registration. If your child needs some time to adjust to the nursery, you are welcome to stay with him/her for a brief time. Please check with the nursery staff before entering our secure area and leave as soon as your child is comfortable. Regularly attending members will be invited to join the ministry staff, which is made up of teams of parents and other loving adults from our church body.  Everyone undergoes security screening prior to serving in the nursery.  It is challenging to worship with children.  It is also a true honor – perhaps the greatest eternal joy – to worship our Heavenly Father together.  We pray that you and your family will be blessed as you join us. In love,Calyn Hauck Nursery Coordinator