Kids Christmas Worship and Caroling on December 20^th

Submitted by Jennifer Power

Kids Christmas Worship

Sunday, December 20^th at 10:30am, the kids (and teens!) will be leading the congregation in Christmas worship. Although there is much work to be done, I am getting excited about this unique opportunity for our kids. I say unique, but it is only unique in that not just certain elements, but the entire service (except the sermon) will be led by children. It is our goal here at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to help kids be participants in worship so they understand worship is not just for adults but for everyone who desires to worship our great God. Children who grow up as active participants in worship as much more likely to stay involved as adults. Children who do not feel connected to the worship service or to what is going on in the church outside of kid-centered activities, often feel lost when they outgrow those kid-centered activities.

Here at St. Paul’s we also believe kids are not only the future of our church but are important members of the church and disciples of Jesus Christ right now and we strive to treat them as such.

If you have not had the chance to look at the opportunities for kids and teens to be involved in worship on December 20^th at 10:30am, I have included the information below (and have added opportunities for ushers/greeters).

Caroling

After 10:30am worship on December 20^th, SHiNe and Thrive ministries will be hosting an afternoon of caroling in the community. We invite all ages to join us – this is not just for kids and families. Anyone who would like to join us for an afternoon of caroling can plan to meet in room 122 after 10:30am service on December 20^th for a light lunch and some card making before we head out to bring the joy of Christmas to many in our community through songs and smiles.

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Information and Rehearsals for Kids Christmas Worship Sunday, December 20^th 10:30am

DANCERS

• Core Group (5 years old and up with two or more years ballet experience)
• Background Dancers (3 years old and up, no experience required)
• Soloist/Duet: (5+ years ballet experience)

Core Group Rehearsals

• Saturdays, December 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th from 3:30-5:30pm in room 122 (Must attend at least two practices)
• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

Background Dancers Rehearsals

• Saturday, December 12^th and 19^th 2:30-4:00pm in room 122 (Must attend at least one of these practices)
• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

Soloist/Duet Rehearsals

• TBA (depending on individuals’ schedules)
• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

DRAMA/SKIT

Speaking and non-speaking rolls, memorized rolls and reading rolls (3 years old and up)

Rehearsals for Drama/Skit

• Wednesdays, December 9^th and 16^th 6:00-6:30 in room 122 (Must attend both rehearsals)
• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

Prayer/Poetry Reading

Can be read or memorized – only required rehearsal is:

• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

Ushers/Greeters

Only required rehearsal is:

• Sunday, December 20^th 9:20am in the Sanctuary

Choral Members/Signers (3 years old and up)

Will help lead the praise team and the congregation in two Christmas songs, one of which will include some signing.

Rehearsals (please try to have your child attend 2 of these rehearsals):

• Wednesday, December 2^nd 6:00-6:30pm in room 122 (before Advent service)
• Sunday, December 13^th 9:20am in room 205 (during education hour)
• Saturdays, December 5^th, 12^th, and 19^th during SHiNe time (approximately 6:15pm in the Great Room)

Please email or call Jennifer (423-6955) or jennifer@spldecatur.org with any questions!

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Next week I will be out of the office enjoying some time of rest with my family and celebrating Thanksgiving. Praying you all have blessed Thanksgiving week as we prepare our hearts for the 2015 holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving!