How can we worship and share our lives, when the two ways of being together - in person and online - are often really difficult for families? Making online church work for children means including them. Six-year-old J says, ‘I like talking to everyone on Zoom after the service.’ A mother said, ‘It’s good when someone asks them questions, and listens. They don’t like listening to adult conversations.’ A three-year-old now celebrates the eucharist with the Vicar with his own cup, plate, and bread. Rev’d Mo Baldwin makes Zoom interactive. Children have treasure hunts, breakout-room challenges like artwork, or designing something. The families also record elements of the service. Beth’s 12-year-old daughter coordinates Kids Church Online, including creating worship herself and encouraging other families to make things and send them in. Rev’d Stephen Gardner reads a bedtime story online every night. A mum said, ‘We all cuddle up together to watch.’
Locked-down churches keeping in touch with children
Written by David Fletcher 06 Nov 2020Additional Info
- Pray: for our churches to grow spiritually as they embrace creatively spreading the Gospel message to every age group, and for God to comfort all who feel a loss of contact with their friends. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
- More: www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/30-october/features/features/not-the-time-to-lose-touch
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