Children in the Divine ServiceAt St. Mark's Lutheran Church, we treasure the opportunity to help parents teach their children what it means to be present with the rest of the church where God delivers His wondrous gifts to us. The Scriptures teach us that God works saving miracles through the waters of Holy Baptism, granting children faith in Him even when they can't articulate its meaning. As His children, people of all ages are welcomed into our sanctuary for the Divine Service and the Daily Offices, and we seek to help parents as they bring children to Jesus where He may be found: in His Word and Sacraments.
To that end, our congregation welcomes children in our midst as we gather, and we encourage parents and care-givers to have their children with them in the pews. We understand that children will squirm, move, cry out, and generally not know how to "sit in church." That's okay. The important thing is that they are with us in God's house, learning each week a little more what it means to gather with the rest of the Church of God.
We do have a nursery available for parents who need to take their children out for a time. But it's not regularly staffed, and we hope that children will return to the nave as soon as possible so parents and children alike can continue to receive the gifts of God as they're made available in His Divine Service.
Please make use of the resources listed below as you're able. Some have been found in various places, and graciously shared with us by the authors. Others have been crafted specifically for our congregation by Pastor and Cheryl Ferry.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 19:14
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