Children in Worship

All children are welcome in worship!

To the parents of young children, may we suggest…relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Sit toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what’s going on at the altar. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads. Quietly explain the part of the service and actions of the pastors, musicians and leaders. Point out people you know by name. Sing the songs, pray and voice the responses. Children are watching you and learning how to worship by your example. Let children know they are at home in this house of worship. The way we welcome them in church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God and to one another.

Pew Bibles for all ages

At Sheridan, we believe God’s Word should be accessible to all worshipers, no matter your age! Just this summer, we dedicated over 350 Bibles to be put in the hands of little ones during worship. In our pews, you will notice Spark Bibles, specifically designed for children grades 3-6 and Frolic Bibles, uniquely created for babies and toddlers. Let your child be immersed in the Word of God and follow along with the reading for the week.

Children’s Message

Each weekend worship service at Sheridan, children are invited forward for the Children’s Message, a short time of teaching just for our young ones, geared to their level of understanding. This typically takes place right before the sermon or adult message.

Noisy Offering

The Noisy Offering takes place during the regular offering for adults when we invite the children to fully participate by bringing their offering forward and placing it in the well. The Noisy Offering is an opportunity for children (and adults who love them) to give generously in support of a special project! Throughout the year, the money from this offering goes toward ministries like Habitat for Humanity, ELCA World Hunger, Haiti VBS, scholarship programs in Haiti and Tanzania, Barnabas Community and more.

Other resources for children at Sheridan

Families of all ages are welcome and encouraged to worship together at Sheridan, but we also know that there are times when sitting still can be hard for little ones. Sheridan has some resources to help during worship. If you have to leave the Worship Center with your child feel free to do so.

Worship Story Bags

There are Worship Story Bags available for children to use during services filled with a book, a snack and quiet mindful activities. These bags are located on the tables in the Great Hall by the Children’s Ministry restrooms and water fountains. Borrow one during worship!

Quiet Room

If wiggles and restlessness get the best of you and your little one, a Quiet Room is located right outside the Worship Center doors. There are windows to view the sanctuary, as well as TV monitors and audio to see and hear the worship service while comforting your little one.

Nursery Care

We also have a staffed Nursery available during the 9:45am and 11am Sunday morning worship services and most Wednesday services, as well as during education classes. This service is provided free of charge to all parents in worship or education classes at Sheridan. The Nursery can be found by door #2; first room to your right, inside the Children’s Ministry area.