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 often 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. And 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.

September – June, child care is provided for 1-2 year-olds, while kids age 3-6 enjoy Godly Play during the first part of the worship service (the Liturgy of the Word). The small children are reunited with their parents in time to participate in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) together.

7- year-olds and up are encouraged to participate fully in the liturgy (worship service), and have special activities at other times.