BRANCHES November 2014

SOUTHWOOD
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KIDS LISTENING
GUIDE Niña Banta
Worshipping as a family can be where some of the
sweetest memories are made. It's those memories
that leave a lasting impression on a child. They
may not remember the sermon title or a specific
offertory song, but they'll remember the experience
of worship. They might remember snuggling up
next to you in a pew, a hymn that's sung often,
perhaps a sermon illustration that really clicked, or
even watching you take communion. Worship is an
experience that is meant to be shared.
All children are learning to worship by watching you
and everyone around them. Through our worship
as adults, we are teaching by example what it looks
like to worship a living God. Children are sponges
who watch and listen and then do as we do.
Whether it's singing, praying, taking communion,
standing at a baptism or simply listening to the
sermon, engage your children to participate with
you. This is also a great opportunity for you to
encourage your children to grab a listening guide
and take notes or simply draw a picture of the key
point or lesson learned from the sermon.
Southwood Kids Listening Guide is provided to
guide children through the service. It helps them
focus their listening. It's a teaching tool for you, as
parents, to guide your children through corporate
worship. Let this tool help you in discussions with
your child after the service to dig a little deeper,
or perhaps answer questions that they might have
concerning the sermon or segment of the worship
service.
As we close our study on Jonah and end our Kids
Moment with Pastor Will, we don't have to stop
having teachable moments in the pews with our
kids. Grab a listening guide on your way into the
sanctuary and continue the momentum of your
children engaging in worship. They are listening
and watching whether it seems like it or not.
Corporate worship as a family is just another way
to experience and express grace with your children.
14 NOVEMBER 2014 | SOUTHWOOD.ORG