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As I looked around at all the children during the 9 AM The Well worship on Sunday morning, I wanted to shout, “We embrace squirming at Broad Street UMC!” The wiggles, whispers, and giggles of little ones are not distractions at all—they are signs of life and joy in our church family. Children bring energy and curiosity to worship, and we celebrate their presence among us!

At Broad Street, we believe worship is for everyone, including our youngest members. It’s a chance for them to experience the presence of God with their church family.  Let’s embrace them, squirms and all.

Why does this matter? First, it goes back to the promises we make at baptism. When a child is baptized, we as a congregation pledge to nurture their faith and welcome them fully into the life of the church. That includes inviting them into worship—not as spectators, but as full participants. Through baptism, we’re reminded that children are gifts from God, chosen and beloved. And that means it’s our sacred responsibility to help them grow spiritually, even if it means sharing a pew with a wiggly little one.

Second, worship is a crucial part of a child’s spiritual development. Kids pick up on things we adults might not even notice. Many parents have shared stories about their children memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, the doxology, the Apostles's Creed or even parts of the communion liturgy, simply by being present. Beyond the words, children absorb the wonder, rhythm, and meaning of worship in ways that stay with them for a lifetime. A child might find joy in holding a hymnal for someone else, drawing a picture inspired by the service, or suddenly tuning in when something sparks their interest.

So, how can we make worship a welcoming and meaningful experience for children? It starts with creating a space where they feel included. Let kids sit in places where they can see the action, like the front row or the edges of the pews. Encourage them to sing during hymns so they can feel part of the congregation. Talk with them about parts of the service they might not understand—those conversations can lead to beautiful moments of growth and connection.

We can also lead by example. Consider being a “worship buddy,” sitting with a child to guide them through the service and show them how to participate. Parents and caregivers can prepare children for worship by talking about the Bible readings or praying for those in the church during the week. After the service, share what stood out to you and ask your child what they noticed or felt. Simple actions like encouraging kids to make a card for someone in the church or helping them notice moments of kindness can help them connect worship to real-life faith.

Most importantly, let’s shift our mindset. Children don’t come to worship knowing what to do—it’s something we get to teach them. Just as God taught the Israelites how to worship, we are called to help our children learn and grow in their faith. Their wiggling and whispering aren’t signs of distraction—they’re signs of engagement, wonder, and energy.  

So the next time you see a squirming child in worship—smile! At Broad Street UMC, we believe the wiggles and giggles are part of the beauty of worshiping together as God’s family. Let’s embrace the squirms and celebrate the sacred chaos that comes with raising the next generation in faith!  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy