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Children and Worship

Overview

Children and Worship provides an age-appropriate way of being in worship with children ages three to nine. Each week thousands of children, who are part of hundreds of congregations in North America and around the world, use the program to experience rather than merely learn about worship. Based on Montessori principles of early childhood learning, this program continues to be one of the most effective ways of nurturing children’s faith and preparing them for worship with the whole congregation.

Children and Worship is a cooperative ministry of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRC), and The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC).

Training Events and Registration

Children and Worship training is a cooperative ministry of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRC), and The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC). A network of trainers offer workshops in worship centers across the United States and Canada.

Using the books Young Children and Worship, by Sonja Stewart and Jerome Berryman; I Wonder…More Bible Stories for Children and Worship, by Janet Schreuder; and Following Jesus: More About Young Children and Worship, by Sonja Stewart, worship leaders are trained through basic training events, enrichment events, and specialized events. Trainers are also available to make introductory presentations to church boards, parent groups, etc.

Find a trainer in your area

Introduction:

Held at your church or a Children and Worship center, this one and-a-half-hour event is designed for church leaders and parents who want to know more about the program before committing to training.

  • Cost: $50, plus travel costs. Note: Events held in Canada have a different fee structure.

Specialized events:

Held at your Children and Worship center (or another center), this four- to six-hour event fosters community among your volunteers while your group learns more about wondering, being a greeter, signing, or some other aspect of Children and Worship.

  • Cost: $50 per hour, trainer’s travel costs, overnight lodging and meals, church custodial fee (if requested), and event snacks.
2022 Children and Worship Basic Training – Glendale
October 01, 2022 – November 05, 2022
Register for the event

Enrichment events:

This three- to four-hour event is designed specifically for people who have been working in a Children and Worship center. Encourage your leadership team to enrich your Children and Worship ministry or receive training based on Sonja Stewart’s second book, Following Jesus.

Resources

  • Los Ninos Pequenos y La Adoracion, a translation used in Mexico, is now available for download.
  • On the Way to Bethlehem. Adapts the Children and Worship approach for a Christmas service.
  • Carols, Candlelight, and Tableau. Inspired by the Children and Worship approach, this tableau of the nativity is designed for Christmas Eve.