CHILD CENTERED WORSHIP

Child-friendly church spaces

Why it’s worth making some simple adjustments to make your church spaces feel more inviting to families. The very space that is impressive to adults may not feel welcoming to children. In this episode, host Dawn Rundman gets some innovative ideas from Julie Marie Seibert as they discuss why it’s important to look at church spaces through a child’s eyes. Julie Marie brings her background as an educator who creates inclusive museum experiences to this conversation. Have thoughts on this topic or other ways to connect with kids at church? Dawn would love to hear from you. You can e-mail her at WorshipWhys @AugsburgFortress.org. We’ll be back again soon with another episode of Worship Whys!

Making memories, building faith

Sounding out words in the bulletin. Becoming an acolyte. Holding the baby in the Christmas pageant. WHY participating in such classic church rituals, activities, and holiday traditions creates memories and builds faith in children as they come of age. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks her own young adult daughter, Svea, to recall her own childhood church experiences from the not-too-distant past. Svea has thoughts about how worship leaders can help kids take pride in participating and find their role in the congregation, with a special shout-out to those cherished “church grandmas.” Thanks for listening to this episode of Worship Whys! Dawn will be back again soon with another episode and more ideas about how your church can welcome children and their families.

Faith autobiography—from youth!

WHY asking young adults who’ve been raised in a faith community can be eye-opening for worship leaders. In this episode, Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks a college senior—who happens to be her son, Paavo—to reflect on his faith autobiography. Hearing his thoughts on how church membership and activities shaped him provided insight—and some surprises. Have you requested the faith autobiography of children who came of age in your church? Or asked kids in your own family to share their faith story? Dawn would love to hear your experience. You can email her at WorshipWhys@AugsburgFortress.org [WorshipWhys@AugsburgFortress.org]. We’ll be back again soon!

NURSING AND BABYWEARING

Welcoming and supporting new moms and their babies WHY your church should be proactive in advocating for the needs of nursing mothers, both those on church staff and those in your congregation. Youth and Family Ministry leader Melissa Ramshead talks to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman about her real life experiences as the working mother of three young daughters. She shares her ideas about important ways to create a supportive space for the new moms in your church. Please like, follow, subscribe, and share this podcast with your colleagues. That will help us grow our podcast and share more ideas about welcoming children in worship. We’ll be back in your feed soon with another episode of Worship Whys!

Making Vacation Bible School memorable

Why it takes planning to create an exciting VBS experience that will deepen faith in kids at your church. Veteran VBS creator Arlene Flancher shares her tried-and-true strategies with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Hear Arlene’s thoughts on which VBS activities have high impact and pack a punch, versus preparations that are time- consuming but ultimately not worth the trouble. Ministry leaders, learn more about VBS options here: https://www.augsburgfortress.org/promos/operation-restoration/ Thanks again for joining us for Worship Whys. Please like, follow, share and subscribe to our podcast to help us grow our podcast reach.