Resource: Exploring Sacraments with Young Children.
Published
by:
Augsburg
Fortress.
Denomination: Lutheran (Evangelical)
Goals/Objectives:
-to provide a welcoming climate for children in worship
-to provide understanding and appreciation for the benefits of the Word and Sacraments through education by doing not just learning about
-not just including children in the church family but allowing them to lead by their faith
-to affirm children's relationships to God and support the child’s participation in the faith community
-to provide parishioners, pastors, and parents guidance in evaluating cues to young children’s readiness to receive Holy Communion
Definition of “Worship”:
-an organized worship service in the sanctuary with the congregation
-a sacred space where we come together to glorify God
Definition of Sacraments:
-Baptism
-Communion
Reasons to learn about the Sacraments:
-It shapes children's openness to and understanding of the community of faith
-It shapes children's understanding of God’s grace and the Sacraments
Contents:
-Why children need to learn about worship & Sacraments
-Doctrine and history of children involved in worship and Sacraments
-Developmental and theological information about children
-Working with families
-Working with sponsors
-Working with the congregation
-Introducing children to worship
-“Exploring Times”-lessons about the Sacraments
-Handouts and reproducibles
-Prayers and litanies
-Adult study helps
-Helpful resources
Sessions:
-Four sessions – touch, hear, taste, and move.
-Time length is not specified but lessons consist of 3 activities and a prayer
-Use as a whole – combine 4 lessons
Organization:
-Theme of four senses; touch, hear, taste, move
-Using Bible passages from the Old and New Testaments.
Age Level Appropriateness:
-No age group specified
-Lesson are for children & their families together
-Activities for ages in mid-upper elementary
Denominational Features:
-Uses Lutheran confessions in preparation materials
Teachers/Leaders:
-lay person or pastor with knowledge about worship and sacraments
Setting:
-Sunday school or weeknight program
Strengths:
-Complete with history and clear picture of worship and children in worship
Weaknesses:
-No time frame given for lessons
-Not user/teacher friendly
-Not very well organized
-More for adults on how to introduce children to worship
