What is Family Worship?
We welcome the sights, sounds, & energy of kids in service.
We start each service with the entire church—kids, youth, and adults—worshipping and praying together for the first 15 minutes. Then the kids and youth are dismissed into their own ministries.
5 Reasons We Do Family Worship
Kids are part of the church of today, not the church of tomorrow.
Kids learn by watching and participating. We want them to experience God in community with us.
It’s great practice at being generous and gracious to one another.
Kids are able to contribute their time, energy, and love for Jesus.
The church becomes stronger by strengthening relationships across generations.
It Makes an Impact
Dear RiverLife-
Thank you for family worship. Thank you for letting kids be the now.
This was Sonnet singing “Holy Ground” after hearing it in service this morning.
Thank you for saying yes to them. It doesn’t go unseen by these little humans.
-John & GaoZoua
P.S. She also had so much fun greeting at the door this morning.
To Parents of Young Children
Relax: It's OK for kids to be kids.
Sit Close: Consider sitting in the front half of the sanctuary where it's easier for kids to see.
Explain: Kids are curious! Explain what's happening in the service. It’s okay to talk to them throughout the service.
Participate: Kids learn by mimicking what you do. Engage in service—sing, pray, lift your hands. Kids will follow your lead.
Wander: It's OK to move around, even in the sanctuary. Sometimes it's easier to let wiggly kids wander.
Need to Leave? No problem, but please come back! Sometimes kids just need a break.
To Everyone Else
Smile: Welcome our children and give a big smile of encouragement to their parents.
Celebrate: The presence of children is a gift to the church and a reminder that we are growing.
Help Out: If you see someone who needs help, lend a hand.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
-Matthew 19:14