Children's Worship Centers

September through May

8:30-10:00 A.M.

Children are welcomed into the worship community and full participation in the sacraments at Westminster Church. We do, however, recognize the physical need of young children to move about and their intellectual need to be actively involved in order to learn most effectively. We have, therefore, a special ministry which provides worship experiences concurrent with sanctuary worship for 2 ½ year olds through second graders.

Preschool through second graders may begin their time of worship in the sanctuary and finish the morning in the Children's Worship Centers which are located on the lower level of the church. Children leave the service together and parents may pick them up immediately following the worship service.

WHAT IS THE "CHILDREN IN WORSHIP" PROGRAM?
Developed by the Rev. Jerome Berryman and Dr. Sonja Stewart, Children and Worship is based on the learning principles of Maria Montessori. It is an interactive worship experience which presents key theological concepts and biblical themes and stories in a format which allows children to enter into the story in a unique way. Each story or concept is presented with three-dimensional figures or flannel figures and symbols used on the floor. The children and worship leader think together abut the characters and symbols and the children are then invited to respond to the story in their own way. Children draw, write, or retell stories with the figures themselves during a quiet, reflective period. They then come back together for prayer and blessing.The format of the Worship Center follows the general flow of the worship service. Children learn how to think about and be present in sacred space and time.

WHAT AGE CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED?
Children at Westminster begin this experience with the Nurturing Center, which provides a transition from the nursery to the more formal Worship Centers. Preschoolers, 2 ½ through about age 4 go to the Nurturing Center. Children ages 4 through second grade attend one of the two Worship Centers. All are located on the lower level of the church, off of the Day Care rooms

HOW DO THE CHILDREN GET TO THE CENTERS?
Families gather in the sanctuary together for the first part of the worhip service. The children are invited forward before the sermon, share a blessing with the congregation and are taken to the centers. Parents meet their children OUTSIDE the centers following the service. An adult helper will bring the child to the parent.