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| Babies in Church"Let the little children come to me, for to such belongs the kingdom
of God." Dear Friends:
My own "baby" turns 13 years old this month (making TWO teenagers in the house)! The milestone is causing me to reminisce about the days when I was a new mom. When my children were tiny, I liked to have them a close to me as possible at all times. During Elizabeth's infancy, I was still a student. When Andy and I went to church, we brought her with us and held her in our arms. There was a nursery at church, but I didn't use it. I needed to have my baby with me. By the time Christina was born, I was a pastor. The churches I served then were very small. There was always a 'grandma' or 'auntie' to hold Christina during worship, and she was always in clear sight of me. It was very reassuring. I found it quite wonderful to see my baby was so loved. The season of being a new parent is a vulnerable time. Moms and dads have to adjust to so many emotions and responsibilities. My goal is that, at PB UMC, we are doing everything possible to support families (of all configurations) in the raising of their children. Our nursery is staffed by two responsible and loving care givers. We strive to keep it clean and attractive. The safety and well being of infants and toddlers is of the utmost concern. The nursery is meant to be an appealing option for those parents who find it more restful to worship knowing their children are being happily entertained and cared for elsewhere on the premises. The entry area to the sanctuary is meant to be a place from which worship can be seen and heard. The idea behind this option is that parents can care for busy toddlers or crying babies and still feel part of the worship experience. Unfortunately, we are having trouble getting the speaker in the entry area to work properly, and have been frustrated in our efforts to get the sound system repaired. The Worship Committee continues to seek solutions, and meanwhile I apologize to parents and congregation alike that this choice is not as functional as it should be. Finally, I want to stress that babies and children are welcome in church. It's true, I notice during the sermons sometimes that people are looking at the baby closest to where they are sitting, rather than at me. But what better focus can there be for meditating on the love and grace of God than a baby cradled in its parent's arms? And as soon as they are able to toddle forward, I would love to have the little ones come sit with me on the steps for the children's story. Children are not only the future of the church, they are the church of today. "Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The grace and peace of God be with you, Pastor April |
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I am thrilled and grateful to see a growing number of babies and toddlers
among our church family. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I see
many happy smiles among the congregation as we watch the expressions and antics
of the little ones.