Next Wednesday is Ash
Wednesday. It is one of the services of
the church year children are least likely to attend. That is unfortunate because there are three
big reasons for them to be there.
U When children see all the adults they love and respect wearing ashes
and they themselves are marked with ashes, they know they belong. They are one of God’s people. Other days they may know that with their
minds, but on Ash Wednesday they know it in a powerful way with their eyes.
U Because we are all marked not with golden markers but
with messy black ashes, children learn that all of us mess up and are
forgiven. The most loved and respected adult
they know does and they do. In a world
where they are constantly told they can do better and can make good choices and
should be special, this is important life-shaping information.
U After experiencing an Ash Wednesday service,
especially one in which the presence of children is planned for, children and
their families are more likely to come back for holy week services to worship
around the most important stories of our faith.
Go to Bread Not Stones - Remember You Are Dust to read one pastor’s experience with children on Ash Wednesday. If you are a worship planner, don’t miss the Comment
describing how she invites children to the service on the Sunday before Ash
Wednesday. (This IS the Sunday before Ash Wednesday!)
Last year, I mentioned planning my children's sermon for Ash Wednesday, and another pastor asked why we would have a time for children when there wouldn't be many there. As it turned out, the congregation was almost 50% kids under age 10. I was sure glad I had something planned for them!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I suspect that worship leaders communicate more than we intend to about our expectations for worship attendance. When families with children know they are valued and welcome and the services are planned at times that work for them, they show up and worship.
ReplyDeleteWe are planning an Ash Wednesday chapel in preschool next Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone share ways to involve children in ash Wednesday services in a manner that they will understand??
ReplyDeleteThis is another wonderfully creative site with great suggestions to include in a worship setting for Ash Wednesday:
ReplyDeletehttp://flamecreativekids.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/ash-wednesday-liturgy-prayers-and-craft.html