FAMILY MINISTRIES
“Experience is foundational to faith. A person first learns Christ not as a theological affirmation but as an effective experience. For children and adults, it is not so much the words we hear spoken that matter most, but the experiences we have which are connected with those words.” - John Westerhoff1
1 John Westerhoff III, WIll Our Children Have Faith?, Morehouse Publishing, 1976, p.92
WHY WE HAVE OUR CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
The Church is God's created community on earth; without community, there is no Church. A church is fulfilling its created function when it has a diverse community, which includes the young in our midst. If we want to be faithful representatives of Christ’s Church, we must welcome all into our midst. This work is not easy and can be a little messy, but the experience of Christian community for children is necessary. When a child is baptized and made a member of the Church, the adults in the congregation promise to be active in nurturing that child’s faith. How can that be accomplished if the children are hidden away from the congregation? At the Temple we strive to be a church that welcomes all, and this includes our children. It might be messy at times, but we are called to nurture our children in the faith, and in doing we just might be nurtured by them in return. Jesus valued the faith of the little children and cherished what they had to offer. This is why we value having our children in worship and will continue to work at this “messy” endeavor.
“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 NRSV
YOUNG CHILDREN
Our Children’s Ministry, 4th Floor Ministries is designed to help children grow in their faith through worship, christian education, and service. Guiding our ministry is the belief that children are God’s beloved creation – created, redeemed, equipped, called, and loved.
Worship
Children are encouraged to attend worship services with their families. Worship aids are located near the entrance doors to help children engage more fully in the service. With their families, children are invited to serve in worship as they feel called and gifted. Children in 4th grade and up are invited to serve as acolytes.
Christian Education
Hybrid Sunday School meets every Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Email piers@chciagotemple.org for more information.
YOUTH/TEENS
Our Youth Ministry is designed to help youth grow in their faith through worship, christian education, fellowship, and service. Guiding our ministry is the belief that we are all created in God’s image, and are loved just as we are.
Worship
Youth are invited to fully participate in worship in the ways that they feel called and gifted.
Christian Education
Sunday School meets every Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on the Fourth Floor. Volunteer teachers provide insightful lessons to engage youth in discussions and activities about applying faith to daily contemporary life.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation classes are offered for high school youth. Confirmation requires a significant commitment from the student and their family. It is a year program from October-October. For more information please contact us at info@chicagotemple.org.
BAPTISM
The sacrament of baptism for an infant is a covenant with God to care for your own spiritual life as well as provide ways for your child to experience God for themselves. The church is committed to help by supporting the baptized child and their family through the life and ministry of the church. We recognize that Christian Education is done both at home and as well as at church. To inquire about having a baptism at The Chicago Temple, please fill out the online form here