Here are some things you can talk about or do to help prepare your child for services:
1. We're happy to be at RRUUC together.
Let your child know how pleased you are that you go to a church where families can sit with each other during the first part of the service.
2. On the way to services, you might wonder out loud about what the music you will hear, or what hangings will be hung, or what color the flowers will be, or if something special, like a baby dedication or a teacher dedication, will be taking place.
3. We are sharing Sunday morning worship with many people.
Sunday morning is a special time. Many people expect this time to be quiet and still, so they can think about what has happened in their world and what they are hoping might happen. Our movements and behaviors could interrupt this thinking unless we are very careful.
4. People want to hear the music and everything that is said in the worship service. That means we must be quiet.
5. Sit where your child can see what is happening in the service.
6. The Order of Service is the map to the morning.
Be sure your child receives a copy of the Order of Service or that you share one with her or him. Point out what is happening. We all like knowing what to expect next. (This is true even if your child does not read. Knowing how far down we are on the page is a form of participation.)
7. We enjoy singing together as a community.
Encourage your child to participate in the singing. Often the opening hymn will have repetitive lines, a repetitive chorus, or just a few words, which change for each verse. You can even whisper the words into your child's ear if he or she appears interested.
8. If your child listens better when doing something with his or her hands, bring a pencil or marker to "illuminate" the order of service. It is fine to doodle or sketch, but be discriminating about this. We want to direct attention toward what is happening in the service rather than distracting children with another activity.
9. On the way home, talk about the worship service - the story, artwork, music, or seeing someone special to you.