United Evangelical Lutheran Dr. Martin Luther Church
Activity bags are available in the prayground for young elementary children to take to their seat if they would like to have some quiet seatwork.
As you enter the worship space from the Gathering Place fellowship area, there is a children's "prayground" with a bright colored rug, soft toys, puzzles, books, and special fabric envelopes with felt shapes that mirror the communion elements, allowing children a hands-on way to participate during the service.
Music is an integral part of our worship. Our in-house musicians are predominantly volunteers, using their talents in various capacities, depending on the service. Besides traditional organists and pianists, we gather musicians of all ages in to a group we call the Blended Blessing Band to regularly lead worship. We also have specialized band groups which frequently travel to other congregations to share the Lutheran pattern of worship with either a polka or country expression.
Like worship, music at Shiner Lutheran involves ages from preschool singers through youth singers/band members to lifelong musicians. Opportunities abound to participate in choral singing groups, small ensembles, instrumental groups, or worship accompanists. Children's bells, hand chimes, choirs, bands are all flexible and welcome new participants. Together we lift our voices and talents to praise God and seek to enable meaningful worship.
Children are active participants in the Shiner Lutheran community and are always welcome at worship services! Some ideas to help keep our children engaged include:
Worship at Shiner Lutheran follows the Lutheran pattern of worship, using a variety of musical expressions. We value children and youth as active worship leaders and participants. Most 10:15 am Sunday services include communion and are streamed on Facebook; other seasonal worship services meet at various time. Following the liturgical church year, the seasons of Lent and Advent include Wednesday evening services, Christmas and Holy Week embrace unique times of worship, and sprinkled throughout the year are youth services and healing services.
We encourage children to participate in the service by following along singing, praying, and standing with the rest of the congregation.
As worship leaders, children carry cups of water to the font during a baptism, serve as acolytes, help as gift bearers who bring the communion elements forward, and gather at the end of the service to speak the dismissal. They are a vital part of our worshiping community.
If they sit in the playground, in the front, or by the center aisle, children can see better. If you need to step out, there is a cry room and restroom in the back of the sanctuary (for infants through 3 year olds) or you can step into the Gathering Place with your child. A nursery room with more resources is found in the office wing.
Children are encouraged to come forward for the Children's Sermon during the service. Parents are welcome to accompany their children.
Worship