by Connie Fortunate David C. Cook, 1981. 217 pp.
Resources by Harry Boonstra
by David Ng and Virginia Thomas. John Knox Press, 1981. 156 pp. This book has become somewhat of a standard text and remains one of the best guides on children and (or rather in) worship. Sensitive to biblical models, Reformed theology, and child development, the authors present a compelling case for children as full participants in worship. Ng and Thomas recognize that such inclusiveness requires deliberate effort on the part of the home and the church. They suggest routes for moving congregations in that direction.
Baptism: a Celebration of God's Presence is a twenty-sheet resource packet intended to highlight a child's baptism. It contains statements on the meaning and importance of baptism and guides for specific practices that will make the sacrament more celebrative. The guides include suggestions for banner making and for conducting the baptismal service.
by Sheri Triezenberg and Susan K. Verwys. Grand Rapids, 1988. Available from the authors, 2551 Birchcrest SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. $28.50.
by Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman. Westminster Press, 1989. See "Letting the Story Stand" (p. 25) for further information about the program described in this book.Our Heritage of Hymns. Choristers Guild, 1986 Exploring the Hymnal. Choristers Guild, 1986. These two educational books, reviewed in RW 5, are excellent resources for teaching children about the hymns of the church.
by Margie Morris.Discipleship Resources, 1988. 66 pp. What can you do at home to make church more meaningful for your children? A Methodist author presents sensible, workable discussions, exercises, and games to help children understand worship and become a part of it. She demonstrates how we can explain various aspects of the worship service and how children can be participants who joyfully share in praising God. In some ways this is a simplified version of the Ng and Thomas book—a good place to start.
Discipleship Resources, 1988. This brand-new package by the United Methodist Church is an ambitious undertaking. It features a thirteen-session instruction program, aimed at systematically teaching children and parents about worship.
by Mary Catherine Berglund. The Pastoral Press, 1987. 137 pp. Gather the Children, a Roman Catholic resource, places more emphasis on Scripture than do most Protestant books on children and worship. The book is intended for "children's church," the period when children leave the sanctuary, but Berglund clearly expects them to return for the eucharist.
Worship is at the heart of congregational life. Without so much as knowing the word liturgy, the people of God bring their praises and gifts, listen to the Word, are fed at the table, and are strengthened by each other's fellowship. Our congregational worship is good and pleasing to the Lord.
"How is it that we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own language?"
