Every fifth Sunday, we hold Family Sunday, where kids (K-5th grade) participate in "big church" for worship, communion, and a kids' moment that includes reciting the memory verse and answering questions. Moving forward, kids will stay for the entire service on Family Sundays. Many kids only attend a couple of full services before sixth grade, if ever. Research indicates that children model their parents, so we aim to model what the church embodies: a community of believers who worship and learn together.

While I recognize that some may view this shift as somewhat inconvenient, especially since we have a great kids' program tailored just for them. Jesus often embraced inefficiency, which is best seen in Mark 5:21-43, where Jesus is interrupted by a sick woman on the way to heal Jarius' dying daughter. While Jesus stops and has a moment with this sick woman, someone comes and alerts Jarius to stop bothering Jesus because his daughter is dead. It is hard to imagine this story without noticing that there was the possibility that they would have made it in time if not for this interruption. It would have been more efficient and convenient if Jesus had asked the woman to wait and deal with her after Jarius, because Jarius asked first. However, Jesus made time and healed both of them. When Jesus commands us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies, there is a sacrifice that is required- it is convenience.

By letting kids experience worship and learn alongside adults, we’ll help them build confidence and comfort in the church setting. Our goals are to help kids build those social muscles to feel comfortable in the main service and to encourage family connection about the service during the drive home.

The first Family Sunday that will have K-5th grade in the service the entire time will be held on Palm Sunday. During this event, children will hand out palms and participate in the service using kid packs that include snacks and coloring pages related to the sermon.

I want to reassure parents that we completely understand that kids will be kids, and there’s no pressure to be perfect. If you’re finding it challenging to have your child participate in the main service, please know that Alexa is more than happy to take care of them so you can focus on the service. Additionally, if there are children who don’t have an adult with them, Alexa is there to spend time with them and ensure they feel comfortable and included.

I would like to thank the adults in the main service for practicing grace and embracing the inconvenience this will bring to the service. Thank you for including FCC Kids and for having grace and patience for the growing pains that this shift will bring. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexa at (620)254-0491

Ministries
FCC Kids