The Prayground at St. Gregory's
And Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
As Jesus did, we welcome children of all ages as integral members of the Body of Christ, and we welcome the sounds and activity that accompany their worship! We believe that being in church helps kids learn how to pray, listen, and sing, while they strengthen their relationship with God.
There are many spaces and activities designed for children to participate in worship according to their needs; we trust families to work out the best options for themselves on any given day.
Activity Bookcase
Located in the Prayground, it contain books, crayons, puzzles, and other things to keep hands occupied, and help children become comfortable in our worship space. Scribble cards are also located in the pew racks.
Prayground
This space in the Chapel is intended especially for families with infants and toddlers, recognizing that small kids are often more engaged when they can see what is going on. A small table and chairs, a baby bouncer, rocking chairs for moms, and quiet activities help our littlest ones become comfortable in our worship space while quietly active. Pews and chairs are next to the Prayground for parents to sit nearby and worship with their children. Children are gathered in a circle to say the Lord's Prayer together in the Prayground to help ground them in the liturgy.
Children teach us what absolute joy looks like – and what better place to experience than in church?
- The Body of Christ includes our children – we are incomplete without them! Every one of us can engage and support families with small children:
- Greeting/learning the names of the young children who sit near you in worship.
- Offering to color or engage a child during worship, especially if another child in the family is especially fussy or upset.
- Helping preschoolers and elementary-aged kids to navigate the liturgy, locate the hymns, etc. (Children learn by participating!)
- Inviting kids to serve alongside you in worship or other ways (usher, coffee hour, altar guild, etc.)
- Relax, and reassure the parents near you that God put the wiggle in children. They wouldn’t be children if they sat perfectly still through the whole service.
We understand, and it’s ok!
From past services
(If you click on the photo, it gets bigger so you can see the entire image.)
