Carolyn C. Brown
After more than thirty-five years of serving on a church staff, most of it in children’s ministry, I am now on my own. So, there is time to dig more deeply into what interests me most: how we can welcome children into congregational worship as full participants.
When I wrote Forbid Them Not Year B: Involving Children in Sunday Worship back in 1993, I offered ideas for including children for each Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary Cycle.
Then blogs came along.
Now, rather than writing another book, I invite you to join me in creating prayers, different ways of presenting scripture, children’s times, sermon illustrations and who knows what else. I’ll provide ideas for each week to get it started. It’s my hope, though, that you will build on those ideas and add some of your own ideas, too.
My experience is mostly mainline and traditional Presbyterian. I hope folks with other experiences will comment from their traditions and enrich us all. Maybe a blog can become a workshop that serves worship leaders everywhere.
Please contact me at worshipingchild@outlook.com should you have any questions, comments or other feedback. I enjoy interacting with my readers!
Credentials
I am a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). I have more than thirty years' experience in Christian Education with a variety of congregations covering five states. I am also a member of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators.
My husband Steve and I, reside in Charlottesville, Virginia.
I so appreciate your blog - - it is the first place I go when preparing my children's sermon each week! Today, I am looking for a sermon on mission and wanted to check the popcorn index . . . did you eliminate this? So sad - I really appreciated that topical way to look things up sometimes!
ReplyDeleteThe old Popcorn Index is now the Topical Index. The name was changed in response to a techie friends insistence that it would get better search engine results. I still miss the fun of the Popcorn. But, the reality is they are the same thing. Glad you find it useful.
DeleteGood morning, Carolyn! While thinking about my approach for Time With Young Disciples for tomorrow's worship, and having left my trusted "Carolyn Brown Books" at the church office, I googled "Carolyn Brown and Ten Commandments" and found that you have this blog! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that, at a stroke of a key, I may find more of your ideas and sparks for Worshiping With Children. Thank you!
Carolyn, Thank you for sharing your creative explanations of God's Word. I especially liked your extensive blog on Exodus 32:1-14. Regards, Chaplain Mike Strohm, US Army, Fort Huachuca, Arizona
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so helpful - thank you! I seem to remember that you were suggesting we explore a "Hello my name is Jesus" theme to Advent 2014, drawing on the royal titles of Isaiah 9. I cannot find this reference. Can you help me with this? Thanks, Paddy,
I did not post exactly what you mention, but you might be remembering one about using the O Antiphons with children (
Deletehttp://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2014/10/o-antiphons-for-children.html ) - lots of names for Jesus there. And, you might be adding the "Hello I'm Saint Jimmy" name tags for All Saints Day this year. I hope they are the connection you are trying to make.
I just found your site through Pinterest. I am thankful for your work and look forward to using it to help me in our church plant.
ReplyDeleteSt. Mary's of Bethany
Nashville,TN
Welcome KT. It is good to have you among us.
DeleteI love your blog so very much. I am just starting out at my first church as a children youth and family minister and your blog has helped me so much!
ReplyDeleteWelcome! Glad you are enjoying and are part of the community of people caring about children in the sanctuary.
DeleteI am SO excited! I have had your book "You can Preach to Kids Too" for many years and have leant it to several Pastors. It is one of my most treasured books. And today I have stumbled across your blog!! Just can't explain how much that means to me! Doing a very happy dance today. Thank you Carolyn for all you have done for children in worship services everywhere!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the conversation!
DeleteI came across your blog tonight as I prepare for the Children's Liturgy this Advent. Great refreshing ideas and activities, especially as these involve children themselves. We need ideas like yours, not necessarily top-down, but children-centred.I am of Catholic background, by the way. God bless you, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Cirila. It is good to have you among this community of folks raising worshiping children.
DeleteCarolyn, we've been using your blog for a while now. It has helped our parish transition to an all-age style of worship. We are especially blessed to have your insights now as our much loved preist has had to retire due to continual ill-health. Your weekly posts help us keep coming up with theologically sound, kid friendly activities and help our visiting priests! Thanks so much and God Bless Mary (Perth Western Australia)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the blog is helpful to you all. My congregation is in an interim period also, so I appreciate all the effort it takes to keep important initiatives going. May all our interims come to speedy ends and open to a new good future. peace, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, Just wondering if you do anything for the Season of Creation? We usually celebrate it in September and end a month of services with a blessing of pets/St Francis day service. Mary
ReplyDeleteI have not to date, but have always wanted to do. Chances are not good for this summer, but I'll remember your request.
DeleteCarolyn, I just saw that you will no longer be adding new material to the site. Fortunately there are so many wonderful ideas here I could never take advantage of them all! I really appreciate the creativity and love for children that are apparent throughout this site--so grateful for this resource.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I want to echo the above comment by Juli Wilson-Black. THANK YOU for developing and sharing so many rich resources for church leaders and families. We, along with the many children we represent, have been greatly blessed by your gifts.
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