Encourage children as well as adults of the parish to participate in worship through bodily gesture by making the sign of the cross, opening hands in prayer, facing and bowing before the cross as it moves in procession. Even such simple changes in posture as kneeling and standing have meaning within the context of the liturgy. For instance, the water-filled font, the table and the ambo or reading desk should be of significant size and centrally placed so that they immediately draw the eye, thus speaking clearly of the centrality of Baptism, Eucharist, and Scripture. Bold colors used in paraments that change with the seasons teach children that we live within the rhythm of the liturgical year. Seasonal banners with thoughtfully designed symbolism can convey tremendous meaning.
Children can provide capable worship leadership in a variety of ways.
Singing is often the first means that we think of for children to provide leadership in worship, but this should not be limited to a children's choir anthem. A Sunday school class or children's choir might be assigned the psalm antiphon for the day, alternating with the rest of the assembly singing the psalm verses. Not only is this providing leadership for an integral part of the liturgy, but the children will remember text which they sing much longer that what they speak. Resource Center, an insert in the ALCM newsletter, Grace Notes, often has musical settings of liturgical music composed for children. Selections may be reproduced as needed for parish use.