Things You'll Need:
- Spiritual books, coloring books and pages, and music
- Optional: Costumes for skits
-
Step 1
Choose one place in your home for your service. By having your service in the same place each week, you establish a strong presence of devotion, sort of like building a tangible church.
-
Step 2
Give the smaller kids a related activity. At least a day before, help the kids pick out coloring books from Amazon.com, or you can Google for coloring pages and coloring books of your faith. You might want to add some from other faiths as well, since many of these have beautiful images and thoughtful teachings.
-
Step 3
Choose passages to be read from several sources. There are, of course, the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita and the Buddhist sutras, but there are others that are not so much based on a religion but have wonderful passages. Reading from Jonathan Livingston Seagull is inspiring and entertaining. Also the Self-Realization Fellowship has many books written by Yogananda that have teachings and is very compatible with any faith. Original poetry or thoughts can be read, too.
-
Step 4
Let the older kids participate in the readings. Also, at least one day before, have all readers choose their passages. Make sure they are ones that can be read easily and understood or that at least flow well so the children won't get restless. You may want to help the kids choose passages that have lots of imagery and metaphors to hold their interest. Also, depending on the amount of readers you have, you may want to establish a rule about the length of each passage to be read.
-
Step 5
Choose the music and format. The day before, you and the kids can go through your music collection to find an opening song, at least 1 song for the middle, and a couple of ending pieces. Decide in what order the music and the readings will be placed. You may want the children to read first and last, or Mom and Dad to read the beginning and ending while the children read in the middle of the service. The Christian hymns can't fail to set the right mood. Also, Hindu Bhajans are a good addition because they are devotional and have a fun rhythm.
-
Step 6
Keep the service free of distractions. Silence your phones, have your next meal prepared, etc. This way the time will be relaxed and you can maintain an aura of peace. Also, remind all participants that any talking should be minimal, except the readings, and should be related to the service. You may want a question and answer period at the end of the service.
-
Step 7
Optional ending with a skit. You may not want to break the feeling of inspiration when all readings and music are done. After closing the service with a prayer, the kids can perform a skit which has been rehearsed during the week. Try an old testament story or the Indian story of Ramayana or a story that the family has created. If this is well prepared, it will be a lot of fun and will serve to anchor the spiritual ideas in the hearts and minds of the children.
Comments
FrazzledNanny said
on 2/13/2009 We do a family worship service when we get snowed in. Great article. 5*
drmargaretjamal said
on 1/28/2009 This is a thoughtful suggestion. It is good to have spiritual experiences as a family even if you do attend regular church services. Even though my husband and I are ordained ministers, we also have home fellowship with our children. I know that this is what has helped to keep us close. I like the skits idea. Thanks. :-)
WaterSprite said
on 12/30/2008 Thank you for such easy to follow steps! Well written - and you have beautiful pictures! Thank you!
SanaAnya said
on 12/27/2008 I love this article. Reminds me of being little and holding services in the homes of church members while we were looking for a building.
sneedc said
on 12/26/2008 Great ideas here! I've missed mass on occasion and I recall fondly when my kids and I recited the rosary together, and another time we watched it on tv--not exactly the same, but similar to your steps here! THANKS for these tips on keeping God in the house not just at church.