Many of our activities for children are during our main Sunday service, the 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist. All the families gather in the church to participate in the beginning of the worship and the children and Young Church leaders leave during the singing of the Gloria. The Church Centre functions as the devoted space for the Sunday school activities, bringing all the children together. After their Sunday school, the children join their parents at communion. Children are encouraged to accompany their parents to the altar rail. Those who have been baptised may receive a blessing or share in the communion bread and wine, at their parents’ discretion.
Infants
While the 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist is taking place in the church, we offer a crèche for babies and children up to three years old in the bright and welcoming environment of the Church Centre. It is staffed by three adult volunteers and runs all year without closing for holidays. The crèche has toys – it is not necessary to bring any. The toilets in the Church Centre have changing facilities for infants.
Pre-school
Pre-school children also meet in the Church Centre during the 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist. They typically are read a short bible story, sing, and participate in a craft activity.
Primary 1-4
Children in Primary 1-4 also meet in the Church Center during the 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist, in two separate groups, one for Primary 1 and 2, and the other for Primary 3 and 4. Their lessons include storytelling, drama, craft activities, games, and singing. Their work is based on the lectionary readings of the day, as adapted for children by Scripture Union Light. From the age of seven, children are also welcome to join the choir.
Morningside United Church are running a Saturday Kids Club for Primary 1 to Primary 3 children. See the link for further details – Saturday Kids Club
Primary 5-7
Older primary school children meet in the Church Centre Quiet Room during the 10 a.m. Sung Eucharist. Our lively Sunday morning gatherings represent the primary point of contact with this age group, but occasional activities also form an important part of our ministry.