Children's Church is a growing and vibrant part of our ministry. We offer a nursery for children aged from 10 months to 2 years, and a Godly Play program for children aged 3 through 10. Moreover, children are always welcome in worship (and God put the wiggle in children so don't think you should suppress it at church).

 Nursery (10 month - 2 year olds)

Our nursery, located downstairs, is for children from 10 months to 2 years old. Parents are welcome to leave their children for a time of informal play, or to use this space with their children. Please have needed items available such as a seat, diapers, and favorite toy. (There will be toys and music.) Children will be brought up from the nursery during the offertory, and we ask that parents/guardians be ready to carry the babies forward.

 Godly Play (3-10 year olds)

The Godly Play program is for children aged 3 through 10. As early as 5:15 p.m., children are welcome to gather upstairs. Children who are not "ready" to attend on their own are encouraged to stay in worship with their parents/guardians (activity bags are available). We limit the adults in the Godly Play room to the two adult leaders, as the room is the children's space.

Godly Play time consists of a story, wondering time, and crafts as per the child's desire. Children are given choices of crafts or to play and retell the story. The objectives of Godly Play are:

• To model how to wonder in religious education, so children can "enter" religious language rather than merely repeating it or talking about it.
• To show children how to create meaning with the language of the Christian tradition and how this can involve them in the experience of God.
• To show children how to choose their own work, so they can confront their own existential limits and depth issues rather than work on other kinds of problems dictated by others, including adults.
• To show children how to work together as a community by supporting and respecting each other and one another's quest.

The children come to the sanctuary during the offertory and assist by bringing the offerings forward as the congregation sings "Amen." Then they are encouraged to sit with parents/guardians for the Communion portion of the service. At Hope Church we believe that everyone is welcome at the Communion Table, including children.

 For more information

Contact our Children's Church coordinator, Rev. J.C. Mitchell (children@hopeboston.org).