phesians 2:14-18 tells us that through the cross, Jesus is drawing us together into one community of peace. Because we believe this, we want to be inclusive when we gather at the foot of the cross each Sabbath morning at 11:00. We exclude children when we ignore them or speak over their heads.

The following are suggestions for deliberately including children:

• Plan memorable experiences that help them understand a sermon's abstract concepts. Making a massive ice cream Sundae or a humongous baked potato with generous toppings can demonstrate the extravagance of God's love. Making and waving a heart can draw their attention to grace and connect it to His love.
• Tell stories to illustrate points being made throughout the sermon. Adults will also appreciate these windows that let in the light.
• When quoting Scripture, let children stand as soon as they have found it. If they all use the same modern version, they could read the text together. Otherwise, choose one child to read at a roving microphone.
• Use a version of Scripture that people today understand.
• At the beginning of church, ask the children to write their definition for a key word you will use later. Collect the definitions and read some of them at the appropriate time in the service. This not only injects a little humor into the service, it draws everyone's attention to the concept.
• Involve children in the service. Have a children's story and a children's offering every week. Have Pathfinders help the deacons.
• Use drama. For instance, while the Scripture is read, have teens pantomime a skit that parallels the Scripture in meaning. Teens might dramatize the children's story or an object lesson.
• Have a group come up to do part of the pastoral prayer. Include a child.
• Have families come up as a family to do part of the service.
• Honor families by reporting a witness opportunity they were involved in.
• Offer a church nursery where parents can hear the service while children age 2 and younger can play quietly.
• Provide children's church for ages 3-10, once a month or at least once a quarter. The pastor can save his deepest thoughts for these Sabbaths!
• Use children's tithe envelopes. The pastor can read off the names of children who tithe, honoring their faithfulness. When a kindergarten child tithes for the first time, mention it as a grace note in church. Research the source of the money being tithed so you can tell where it came from (birthday, allowance, etc). Honor the receipts for just pennies and nickels. Someday the same child will be faithful with thousands of dollars because their stewardship is affirmed today.

For more child friendly ideas, see: Through Children's Eyes, by Ben F. Freudenburg (Concordia); Family Friendly Ideas Your Church Can Do (Group); see also: www.family-friendlychurch.net.

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Noelene Johnsson is director of Children's Ministries, North American Division.