Children at the United Church of Underhill

Children up to age 2 can go to the nursery, where there is a volunteer to watch the children.  If you are more comfortable, you may stay there as well – the service is broadcast in the children’s room.  The nursery is open for the entire service, so you can choose whether you would like your child to spend part of the service with you, or spend the service in the nursery.  Older children can stay in worship, or can go to Sunday School when the children leave after the “Time for God’s Children.”   More information on our Sunday School and other youth programs can be found on the Education page.

Where things are

• There are two restrooms in the church building.  One is to the right as you come through the first set of doors (just past the guestbook).  The other is near back door, near the nursery.
• There is a changing table in the nursery.
• The Nursery is located near the back door.  Ask an usher or anyone else for directions.  It’s not far from the sanctuary, just easier to show than to describe!
  Crayons and board books are located at the back of the church, in a box on the floor. 
• Ushers have children’s bulletins with coloring and activity pages.
• Coffee fellowship occurs right after church in the Fellowship Room.  It is right through the door that you see to the right of the organ when you are sitting in a pew,  After the service, you can either go through that door, or go through the greeting line, then down the stairs, across the building, and up those stairs.

 Things to do with Children before Worship

• On the way to church talk about what will happen when you get there, what it will be like and any expectations that you have.
• Sit where your child is able to see what is happening at the front of the church.
  Point out the pulpit, altar, lectern, organ, etc.  Explain how they are used.
• Talk about the people who help during the service and the jobs they do.  (pastor, ushers, organist, choir, etc.).
• Look for colors and symbols within the church, including banners and pictures.  Explain that all of these things remind us of God’s love and care.
• Count things – crosses, candles, stained glass windows, etc. 

Things for you to do with Children during Worship

• Allow your child to sit comfortably.
• Do not worry if your child wiggles a bit – adults wiggle too!
• Your child may have questions about what is going on during the service – feel free to whisper answers to these questions – it will help both of you to feel more comfortable.
• Your child will be watching and mimicking your actions.  Try to relax and enjoy yourself.
• Be gentle and forgiving towards your child.
• Listen with your child for a key word, such as ‘Amen’.
• Encourage your child to join in the worship.  Hold the hymnal and bulletin together.  Shake hands with others at the “Passing of the Peace.”  Fold your hands for the prayers.  Stand and sit at the appropriate times.
• Let you child put the offering in the offering plate, and let him/her pass the plate to the next person or usher.  Explain that your offering is a gift for the work of the church.
• Some children enjoy Sunday School, others prefer to remain with the adults.  If your child chooses to stay in the service, provide quiet activities or use the activity sheets and pencils provided at the back of church.
• If you feel your child is restless there is a nursery for children up to age 2, and older children are always welcome to go to Sunday School – ask an usher for directions.

Things to do with Children after Worship

• Feel free to go up to the front to get a closer look at the pulpit, organ, and choir area.  You can talk about how each was used during the service.
• Greet those who led the service at the door.   Encourage your child to say hello and shake hands.
• Sign the guest book, and have your child do so too, if you would like.
• Talk about the service by mentioning things that you particularly enjoyed (the singing, prayers, communion, etc) or something that happened during the service.
• Sing a hymn or song together.
• Things to do with Children during the Week
• Say simple prayers together before meals, playgroup/school or at bedtime.
• Play church at home.
• Buy or borrow a ‘toddler’s’ or ‘beginner’s’ Bible to read at home.
• Speak positively about worship.  Make ‘going to church’ a special event.