Grandparent Tiny Try-It-Out: Welcome

We begin worship services with a word of greeting, a welcome ritual that gathers everyone in the “name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Jesus’ loving embrace is bigger than we can imagine! Part of following Jesus, then, means we practice “stretching our welcome” in our church, neighborhoods, communities, and the world. Use the resources provided to cultivate your own welcoming spirit.

Ideas for Grandparents

Consider these ideas for Welcome that you can incorporate into your own unique circumstances:

  • As a regular caregiver for little ones: Read the article “Raising Kids Who Embrace Those Who are Different” for some practical ideas for nurturing values of respect and inclusion as you play at the park, go to the library, or run errands.
  • From a distance: Decorate and mail a scripted or unscripted invitation to join you for worship – maybe for a special occasion, or when you know they are already planning a visit.
  • With older grandkids: When you talk with them about the start of the school year or their sports season, ask whether and how they have felt welcomed. How have they tried to welcome someone else?
  • At a family gathering: Decorate luminaries to bring a warm and welcoming glow to your home or wherever you are gathered!

How will you demonstrate Welcome to and with those you love?

Bring your grandkids on a Shepherd’s Kids in Worship Sunday
Kids are always welcome in worship at SOTV. A few weekends this year worship will include some extra kid-friendly elements – like music from VBS and Sunday school, simple activities for little ones and a spot to sit up front, and kids as ushers, greeters, and readers. These would be excellent occasions to invite a special little person to worship with you.

The first Shepherd’s Kids in Worship is Sunday, October 15. 

Join our email list

Join our email list

Text here

Join our email list
Text here
Join our email list
Text here