It is a time when we tell each other what God has been doing with us and in us during the week. Participation in corporate worship is a vital element in the shaping of a child's faith. But children are not the only ones who are losing something if they are excluded. When children are not present, the Body of Christ is not complete. It is important to think carefully about the way in which children participate at different ages.
Infants come easily to worship.
Even at that age the music, colors, and voices can have a shaping influence in their lives. When they cry, a parent can easily walk the child at the back of the sanctuary or leave for a few minutes if the crying does not stop. When children are toddlers and seem to be constantly in motion, worship becomes more difficult. Most children under four have a difficult time staying through a entire worship service, but they will do well for short periods of time. I remember a particular highlight in our congregation several years ago.