Children at TLC | Trinity Lutheran Church

At Trinity Lutheran Church, we strive to follow Jesus’ example and joyfully welcome children of all ages as essential members of the body of Christ, and we welcome the sounds and activity that accompany them! There are several spaces and activities designed for children to experience and participate in worship according to their needs; we trust families to work out the best option(s) for them and their child(ren).

We also understand that it takes a village to raise a child. A few tips for engaging our families with small children include:

Greeting/learning the names of the young children who sit near you in worship.
Offering to read or color with one child during worship, especially if another child in the family needs special attention.
Helping preschoolers and elementary-aged kids become familiar with the parts of the service, locate hymns, etc. Children learn to worship by imitation and participation.
Inviting kids to serve alongside you in worship, as greeters, ushers, etc.
Recognizing that certain conditions or disabilities don’t present physically, and some children (and adults) may make noises or act in ways that seem different or upsetting, but are perfectly normal for their situation.
Celebrating that God put the wiggle in children, and that children in worship may be vocal and more physically active than adults.

Busy Bags

Located in the back of the Narthex (vestibule where you came in) are bags that contain coloring books, stickers, crayons, and other things to keep little hands occupied. These bags also are located on the small colorful rack in the “Pray Ground”. In addition, there are dark blue Autism-friendly bags in the Narthex.

The Pray Ground

This space located in the right-side room of the sanctuary is intended especially for families with infants and toddlers, recognizing that small kids are often more engaged when they can see what’s going on. Small tables and chairs, baby bouncers and seats, and soft toys help to keep our littlest ones occupied. We also have electronic tablets loaded with apps that have Bible stories and games to provide another dimension of learning about their faith.

“And Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’"

-Matthew 19: 14

Nursery

If your little one simply needs a break from the action, a nursery is available through the side doors and down the hall to the right. There also is a comfortable place to nurse and a crib if a nap is needed. A changing table is available in the nursery as well as in our handicapped-accessible bathroom located in the main hallway.