Children

An Intergenerational Vision

We spend much of our lives isolated and segregated from people who are either older or younger than ourselves. Therefore our desire is to create a place where people of all ages are invited to share in the full life of the Open Door. This includes infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Children are a blessing to our community and we desire them to be full participants in our worship of God. We believe that old and young have a great deal to teach and offer one another.

We also recognize that each age group often has particular developmental needs. Therefore we also seek to create age appropriate opportunities for children's involvement in the life of the Open Door – especially in worship. Click the links below to learn what this looks like for children of different ages. We encourage adults who are gifted in leading young children to get involved in the children's ministry team.

Children ages 3-11 are welcomed to join in a time of learning and fun in the atrium during the sermon. A pastor will pray for them and dismiss them at the appropriate time.

Parents pick up their children before taking communion. Children and parents may choose together when the child is ready to participate in communion.

If your child is not ready for communion: elders are ready to bless your young child rather than serve them communion, upon your request, as you bring them forward.

On second Sundays, we enjoy a meal together before a shorter worship service, and the children stay in the sanctuary the entire time to worship with their families.