​All children and families are welcomed to the PRAYGROUND!

We understand that some children do better with busy hands and in a space where they can move their bodies.

There are a variety of age-appropriate books, soft blocks, coloring sheets, and crayons provided in the PRAYGROUND.

There are a few guidelines that we ask families to follow to make it a clean and safe environment for everyone in worship.

The pews in front of the PRAYGROUND are meant to be used by families of children using the PRAYGROUND. Parents and
grandparents are encouraged to sit with their children at the PRAYGROUND. We hope families experience worship together.
 
To encourage a reverence for worship, and reduce distractions
for other members of the worshiping community, parents are
encouraged to engage with their child in the PRAYGROUND in ways that help all in the family worship together.

The noises of children in church are a welcome part of the community. You are welcome to encourage your children to sing and dance along with the music in worship. 

There are parts of the service where the congregation is quiet
and takes time to listen. At these times we encourage the
children to find ways to engage in worship in a quiet way that is appropriate for their faith development.  

Cleaning up is the responsibility of the parents. Please take time to return books and toys to where you found them. If there are toys that need to be cleaned or fixed, place them in the labeled bin behind the pews near the Prayer Room.

BABIES AND TODDLERS
Being still can be hard at this age. There are sensory toys and board books that are appropriate for this age group. Engage your child with the worship space and what is happening in worship. Use the Search and Find Cards. 

PRESCHOOLERS 
This is the age where learning means asking questions. It is alright to answer questions in a quiet voice to help your child engage in worship. Encourage your child to engage with the parts of the service. There are picture cards, quiet toys, books, and children's bulletins to color.

LOWER ELEMENTARY (ages 5-7)
At this age children are beginning to read and can follow along
a bit more. Encourage your child to participate in the Lord’s Prayer and follow along with the hymns on the screen as they are able. Even when they are playing with toys, they are taking in what is happening in worship.

UPPER ELEMENTARY (ages 8-10)
This age group can participate in many things that are happening in the worship service. Engage them in different parts of the worship, encourage them to use the children’s bulletin to think about the Bible readings, and help them think about the service by asking them questions on the way home.

"My family and I visited St. Paul Lutheran Church for the first time this past weekend. It can be intimidating to take energetic children into a place of worship, however we were greeted with nothing but kindness and warm introductions. I was pleasantly surprised the Congregation had provided an area in the sanctuary for small children to color, find sensory toys, read a book etc; it immediately relieved my anxiety knowing our kid’s needs were understood & welcomed!" -Abby