A Worship Service Designed for Toddlers and Infants?

I would love to have some feed back about a Sunday morning worship service for toddlers and babies (and their parents). Thanks a bunch!

Children of all ages are invited to join parents in the service. They even provide crayons and coloring pages for the little ones in the sanctuary. I was initially afraid of afraid of my baby cooing or my toddler prattle during the service, but have come to realize that everyone is realistic and welcomes all ages - some churches make you feel like you would at a formal restaurant, nervous that they might be disruptive, but at OCC it feels more like being with friends and family. They often simply smile if toddlers exhibit some normal toddler behavior, or babies do what babies naturally do! Almost all have had their own children at some point and been there. I have even had occaision, when as a new mother in need of a little rest, respite, and spiritual renewal, had members of the church offer to hold and comfort a crying baby while I take a few minutes to re-charge my own batteries, so to speak. As they grew older, my daughters could not sit still during the music and enjoyed dancing in the aisles, which at first I was afraid would disturb the older church members, only to be told they found it such a joy to see them enjoying the service and the music in their own way.

Every service each week includes ''time for our children'' where all children are invited to come up and participate in a part of the service where they talk about the sermon for the day in childrens terms and involve some activity that makes it fun and meaningful for the kids. Children are then welcome to either stay in sanctuary for the reading and sermon with their parents or go to the Learning Center where they offer activities for all ages. Infants are nurtured and cared for. Toddlers play and continue to discuss the sermon for the day and do a craft related to it which they can bring home and remember it by. School age children have additiuonal discussions, activities, and sharing of joys and concerns with each other. They are involved in choosing a long term project which has meaning to them, and have raised money for Heifer, plant a fruit tree, fed sandwiches to the homeless, visited other churches, planned fun outings, etc..

Every year OCC plans a number of activities where all ages have fun, such as a family picnic in the summer, a Yosemite weekend in the spring, an Oktoberfest barbecue in the fall, a craft & carol night at the start of advent, etc.. OCC is so welcoming of kids and makes them feel such a part of the family - my preschoolers have begun to participate during announcements, and my young daughters feel comfortable to share their joys and concerns with the church - whether a grandma is ill, or a relative is coming to visit. OCC is a member of the United Church of Christ.

One of the other things we love is that they welcome everyone, wherever you are on life's journey, and provide a forum for discussion for those seeking spiritaul understanding. Members include people with a variety of backgrounds - from people raised in catholic church to agnostics. My husband, for example is half jewish and did not attend church or synagogue as a kid - he felt uncomfortable in a number of churches. However, he always felt comfortable at OCC. As children become teens and have more questions, the openess to question as part of their own seeking and understanding and development of their own personal faith is an important part. I look forward to being welcomed as my daughters reach that age. Jackie

Also, there are lots and lots of ways to be involved, if you want to be, without any pressure if you choose not to. Services begin at 10am and go for about an hour (sometimes less), with optional refreshments (and good coffee) afterward. For more info., you can go to the website: www.epworthberkeley.org, or call the church office at 510- 524-2921. Going on 10 years as an Epworth Family

We also have weekly Thursday night suppers that are catered by a church member. Typically, children eat with the group, then go off to play supervised by a childcare person. Parents are free to attend a small worship service. Last night we started the first of our first-Thursday family nights where the worship is specifically geared towards children.

For more information, call the minister of religious education, Chris Holton- Jablonski at (510) 525-0302 ext. 304. UU mama

Seeking welcoming church with inspiring minister

Our family recently moved to Berkeley. We are looking for a church community with an active, inspiring minister who also counsels parishioners. We are interested in many different social, environmental, and community projects including international work. Programs designed to interest teens would be a big plus. It also would be wonderful if the congregation valued music as part of its worship services. We would appreciate a church community that is not too doctrinaire and that welcomes meditation and other meaningful teachings from other religions. Thank you. Diana

Our Pastor is inspiring, often bringing insights from other faiths and corners of the world. We have a Biblical Scholar who regularly looks at the week's readings from a scholarly as well as emotional vantage point. And I am the Storyteller, regularly telling myths and legends from around the world for the children's sermon. Add to this a fabulous music program, and you have some excellent Sunday services.

We have a children's program that is growing stronger every year. Most of our children are younger than teens, although we do have a teen program (when they come to church). We also are renewing our rite-of-passage program for pre-teens that is worth finding out about.

The Northbrae facility is a large, friendly, open place where a number of community programs gather. You can find meditation classes, yoga, 12-step programs, and other more secular groups gathering in the gracious buildings.

I hope you'll drop by some Sunday soon and say hello. We'd love to meet you and your family! Carolyn

Family friendly church for Uk transplants

I was bought up in a gently christian household, and though not a regular 'church-goer' feel that I'd like to at least share some of those values and experiences with my kids, 3 and 1. We're looking for a family friendly church, where we can maybe help answer some of our adult questions about faith and spirituality, and also share some of that with the boys, especially since we find ourselves far from home this Christmas and not able to tap into what we know and love at home in the Uk. Any recommendations much appreciated (we live in Rockridge, but don't mind a drive for the right place). Christmas is coming!

Church for non-attender to take 4-yr-old?

My 4- (almost 5)- year old daughter has been asking recently about wanting to go to church, and is curious about God. I do not practice any particular religion (though I love Christmas carol services, have attended Friends meetings in the way past, and have an affinity for Buddhist thinking - open to many paths). Our family does not practice any specific religion, more a humanist treating-others-well perspective. I have told her many people think many different things about who/what God is, and (in essence) that churches are places people can go to think and talk about ways to live well and kindly and love others.

Is there a church anyone can recommend whose congregants would be OK with our going so she can see what one version of the experience is like? I don't want to offend anyone by seeming to be practicing ''church as tourist attraction'' but I want to honor her curiosity. Seems it would need to be kid-friendly or kid-focused as her attention span is unlikely to last a long time. Kate

There is a nice young children's program at the very liberal Catholic parish at Dwight and Collge in Berkeley. Mass is at 9:30. It is the Newman Hall- Holy Spirit Parish. Very welcoming and low key and no need to join up.

Also, Epworth Church on Hopkins in north Berkeley, between the tunnel and the library is also a well-loved church. I', sure they have a great children's program. anonymous

As a side note: hurrah to you for honoring your son's request. I spent the summer that I was 9 with my Christian relatives in Virginia & came home asking my Buddhist mom if we could go to church (I think I mostly wanted the singing & the community), and, bless her heart, we went every Sunday for a few years...and then I grew out of it/found other ways to fulfill those needs... Best, KC

Open-minded Christian Church

I am ''church shopping'' and have tried various services in the East Bay. I am very moved by a good choir, but the churches that have these seem to be heavy on the salvation message. I still question the Bible, but have a desire to persue Christianity. Does such a denomination exist?? I am seeking a church with an inquiring view of Biblical texts, not a literal interpretation. Gail

Seeking liberal Alameda church

We've recently moved to Alameda and are looking for a liberally minded congregation. Our background is Unitarian Universalist (which we don't seem to find in Alameda) but we are willing to attend other denominations. We would like to find a church that is fairly open-minded and spiritually tolerant. We're not interested in churches that teach that the bible is the be-all-end-all and that everyone else is wrong. Also important to us are the presence of young families and (cross fingers) childcare during services. Are we asking too much? Have any recommendations? We'd love to hear them! Not interested in Hell and Brimstones

I also provide evening childcare for the choir practice at the First Congregational Church in ALameda. they are a great church also, very liberal. They are located on the corner of Chestnut St. and Central Ave. I'm not sure what their Sunday service times are or if they have child care during their services, but they are a very welcoming church. Good luck in your search! Jessica

Seeking a spiritual home

Hello, I'm currently looking for a church that will truly be a spiritual home. I'm interested in a community that is strong, positive, diverse (meaning a significant population of color, not just a sprinkle), and has plenty of positive role models for both me and my son. What I really don't want is anything that preaches about the devil/satan in any way. I've had enough of that indoctrination. Thank you. Anon

Liberal, inclusive Church with strong social interest

My family is relatively new to the North Berkeley area, and we are looking for a local church (preferably Christian/ non-denominational type) to join and have our two children baptized at. My husband was raised Catholic and I Lutheran, but it is most important that we find a congregation that has a liberal, inclusive philosophy and strong social interest. We would appreciate any recommendations you may have! Amy

Interracial family seeking truly diverse church

We're an interracial family (white parents, black children) in the Oakland Hills, looking for active, progressive, family friendly, racially diverse prodestant church in the East Bay (preferably Oakland or Berkeley). We've visited a handful of churches, but haven't found the right fit. Ideally, I'd like to find a church that is VERY racially diverse, even where white members are a minority (rather than a sprinkling of people of color in a mostly-white congregation). And we'd like the church to have an active, largish membership with lots of children (where we can blend in semi-anonymously for the first few weeks and later become more active in the church). Not too concerned about denomination -- we prefer a traditional service but can stand really contemporary music if the other needs are met. Any suggestions for my tall order? Seeking

Non-denominational or non-Biblical church

Hi all. Does anyone know of any church that would be either non-denominational and/or just not biblical. I was raised Catholic but I can't get myself to belive in the Bible. The non-denominational churches I've found read the Bible, which means I could not relate any less to that. Also, I have a child in kindergarten and would love a church with cheerful services that include the kids too, not the adults in one room and the kids in another. I really am reconnecting with my spiritual/religious side but I need to find a church we can both relate to. All my gratitude to anywone with a recommendation. By the way, we live in the Lamorinda area, so close to that is crucial. thanks! Church craving

We have a church Alameda Spiritual Living Center that does Sunday services here at Rhythmix that has a kids program, and they are very similar to Religious Science/New Thought, but even a little more inter-faith. http://www.alamedaslc.org/ Jennifer

Protestant church with teen programs

We live in the East Bay (Albany/Berkeley area) but have been members of an ELCA Lutheran church in San Francisco for many years. For a variety of reasons, we need to find a church closer to home. Does anyone have recommendations for a church, preferably Lutheran and liberal-minded, but we're open to other Protestant options, that has a sizeable number of middle and high school kids, and engaging activities for them? Our current church has very few kids in this age group and no activities for them outside of Sunday School. Anonymous

Liberal Church in Lamorinda or Walnut Creek

I am looking for a liberal church community in the Lamorinda/Walnut Creek area and haven't had any luck. When I say liberal I don't necessarily mean in the political arena. I want to find a church that is accepting of diverse lifestyles and families, where the message is acceptance and tolerance, where homosexuality is not a sin, where people are accepted for where ever they are in terms of there struggle with faith. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. searching

We started going there a few years ago with our children b/c it was a good balance of our religious outlooks (he's agnostic; I'm athiest), and we've stayed b/c we totally agree with their values systems.

Their services are Sundays at 10:30am and there is always someone there to answer your questions. Their website is http://www.mduuc.org/home/home.html

This coming Sunday, June 10th, they will be having their annual Flower Communion Ceremony, so there will be more kids in the chapel than usual; there will also be a Lifespan Education lunch & summer kick-off party after the service. I hope this fits with what you are searching for. Stephanie

As they say on their web site: Orinda Community Church is a warm, intelligent Christian community where you are encouraged to think for yourself. At OCC you can connect with people, explore spiritual issues, serve the community, and make a difference in a changing world. OCC has a place for you.

Sunday services are 10 am. I'd be happy to tell you more if you'd like, just contact me. anne

They specifically say they are ''open and affirming'' and I believe they have the tolerant and non-judgmental attitude you seek -- my husband calls it a ''liberal intellectual'' church. They are into political action, good works, and environmentalism -- he's on the ''Green'' church committee. However, there's not a lot of diversity within the church population itself -- mostly white folks, honestly. There's spiritual diversity, though -- I'm an atheist, and I've always felt comfortable there.

However, the associate pastor, who we loved, just left for the East Coast, and they're in the process of hiring to replace her. My husband says that some of the temporary pastors giving sermons are not quite up to par, so don't judge the church by the temps! anon

Seeking East Bay equivalent of Grace Cathedral or Glide Memorial

Hello -- We moved from SF recently and we really enjoyed going to services at Grace Cathedral because I loved Rev. Jones' sermons and sense of humor and we also enjoyed Glide Memorial occassionally for the sense of community & uplifiting spirit and music of the place. Can anyone recommend a Sunday service in the East Bay that has some similarities? Thanks much! Sunday Seeker

Radical church or synagogue

I'm looking for a radical church--I am open to the type of spirituality, we're open to Christian, religious science, etc. I do care that the language is gender inclusive, that the theology is positive and affirming and non-orthodox. I'd like to start attending church w/ my 2 year old daughter to have her develop a sense of community, but many churches I've tried are a little too staid or too orthodox for our tastes. Someplace with really good music would definitely be a bonus. Thanks for your help. anon

Christian Church with a Bible focus

Hi there - I am a Catholic who is in search of a more bible-based church and church community in Alameda/Oakland. I am not interested in a bible-thumping evangelical congregation - just a church like the Jehovah's Witnesses that spends time focused on the bible - no politics, just teaching and reflection. I'm also interested in the church community - i.e a community that actually socializes together as opposed to the Sunday mass only interaction. I will be exploring the local Jehovah's Winesses group as well so any opinions on that will be appreciated also. Thank you Searching

I hope that gives you some idea about Jehovah's Witnesses and answers some of your questions. If you have others feel free to contact me. cassie

Other churches I'd recommend: All Nations (Oakland)--smaller, good place to check Oakland Covenant City Church (SF) Cornerstone (SF)

Hope that helps! Coleen

Bible Study for non church-goer

I'd like to join a Bible study in the Berkeley area that takes an honest seeker's attitude. I'm a Christian and do not attend church, nor do I want to be constantly prodded within a group setting to do so. I simply want to read the Bible. Not ''as literature'', from an academic POV, but as spiritual teachings and as ''the greatest story ever told''. I've recently been energized by the new findings on the Gospel of Judas, but my motive is not to dis the institutionalized gospels. Is there a Bible study group out there for me? seeking real discussion

Epworth United Methodist Church will be starting a number of different groups, meeting in homes, that will be working through the series. You can call the church office during the week at 524-2921 to find out about a group you could connect with anon

Even though you aren't usually a church-goer, you might want to check out the church first, then decide on a Small Group. But you can just go directly to a Small Group if you'd rather. I am including a link to the directions to the church just in case. The rest of the website is being worked on, so some of the info is outdated. The current Small Groups are not listed on the site, but I have a paper handout that describes the various groups. You are welcome to have if you'd like. - Susan http://bayhills.net/directions.htm

Gospel of Thomas study group / church?

Hello, I have read some of Elaine Pagel's work about the recovered Gospels of Thomas and am wondering if there is a church or a study group in the Bay Area that focuses on these writings? A recent Harper's Magazine article about these gospels sparked my interested again and I thought I'd post to see if there are any like-minded folks? Thanks very much.
seeking fellow Thomas gospel folks

Family friendly church for a newbie

We want to find a church that has a good family friendly commnity feel and is tolerant of differeces and allows a bit of SPACE for spiritual journey. Three we are considering are UU in Kensington, First Presbytarian and First Congregation. I have been to church twice in my life so as you can see, this is a huge and scary step. Any thoughts and recommendations you can give, before I muster the courage to actually go in to observe, would be great. Many thanks.
looking for god in all the right places

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