Children and Youth in the Advocate Community

Children and Youth are an integral and cherished part of the Church of the Advocate. We want to be a community in which the children grow up knowing that they are known and loved. As such, as oftern as possible, all generations are often engaged in learning and worship and service together.

Children and Youth in Worship

We believe that our worship is the “work of the people”, or “liturgy”. As such, children and youth are encouraged to participate fully in the worship life of the community. Generally, they do participate because our worship is informal, in the round and engaging. Children can see what is going on and feel that they are a part of it. Children and youth are also encouraged to take their part in leading worship as they are able – by reading scripture or carrying the Gospel Book. If the occasion arises when a child is distracted from the liturgy, or truly is distracting others, older children and adults are ready to engage with them outside of the worship space.

Christian Education for Children and Youth

There are three Christian Education classes for the Children of the Advocate:1-5 year-olds meet with a teacher during the liturgy (worship service), generally from 5:00 PM until 5:45 PM. Their class provides them with an introduction to the stories of our Faith, as well as an opportunity to play and to experience church as a place where they are cared for and nurtured. The small children are reunited with their parents at a time in the liturgy (worship) in order to participate in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) together.

When the adults have their Christian Education at 4 p.m., the small children are given supervised child care, so that they can rest and play as they wish.

6-10 year-olds are encouraged to participate fully in the liturgy (worship service), but are welcome to play quietly in an adjoining room as need be. Christian Education is lead by a teacher from 4– 4:45 p.m., before the liturgy. The focus of this class is to created an environment of trust, play, and care, while having an opportunities for the children to hear and think about the Scripture readings of the day in their own way and at their own level. Children are also encouraged to memorize some of the Psalms and prayers of the Christian Faith and Tradition, so that they will have those comforting words in their minds and hearts as they grow into adulthood.

Youth (11 and up) meet with our Youth Minister for Christian Education on Sunday afternoon from 4-4:45 p.m., and on occasion during the week as they need or desire. Twice each month, the youth also gather with adult volunteers for a time of fun and fellowship — playing frisbee golf, bowling, or sharing supper and games. Youth age 15 and up are also invited to participate in a “Journey In Faith” program, as they consider being “confirmed”- making an adult commitment of faith, when the bishop visits the church in the Spring.