Worship Arts July August September 2022

Handbells for young and old(er)

Photo: Daniel Craig

I could quote research showing that children who are a part of the worshipping church are more likely to remain so later in life. It’s no secret; just ask a young adult who was raised in the church but now feels no connection or need to be in connection, “Why not?” Answers would vary, but the research I’m not quoting suggests that they never were valued as a part of the body of Christ. For a long time, I have been passionate about going against the tide of what’s normal in the church and intentionally including every age in worship. This is how a person learns to be a part of the body, learns to be in connection with others, and builds relation ships with adults who know them, pray for them, and support them. That’s what I mean as “part of the worshipping church.” If they are not asked to participate, if no one knows their name, or if they are dismissed to do something else during worship, are they going to feel like they are valuable?

by Shawn Gingrich

Including children: an ancient practice

Worship in ancient Israel and the early Christian church was a celebration in which every gen eration actively participated. God taught us how to worship and God demands our worship. In ancient times, children were not only included in corporate worship but also were taught to worship from a young age. Today we, the church family, must follow that tradition, teaching our children worship as their way of life. Frequently the term “intergenerational worship” is used to give children permission to be present in worship. Instead, it should be used to define “worship in which people of every age are understood to be equally impor tant. Each generation has the same significance before the face of God and in the worshiping congrega tion. Each and all are made in the image of God. Each and all have worth.” 1 This charges all who plan

corporate worship to do more than just welcome all ages. We must also include ways for everyone to worship. This might sound difficult, but it’s surprising how much life can be breathed into the body with some small efforts. My intent for this article is to talk about involving multiple generations ringing bells and chimes in worship – that’s a small but mighty way to begin. Simple techniques M y most recent experi ence involved children between ages 6 and 12 ringing chime chords while singing the well-known canon “Dona nobis pacem.” The children memorized only the first eight bars and sang that over and over while the adult choir layered in the other parts of the canon. Someone was always singing with the kids. By using the simple technique of putting

Children who are a part of the worshipping church are

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10 July-August-September 2022 • WorshipArts • umfellowship.org