This seems like a reasonable question to start with.
In case you are unaware, the vast majority of churches run Sunday Schools for the children and teenagers. Yes, I know that many of them have groovy names like Kids Club, Childrens Church, Tomorrows Church, Junior Church etc but when it comes down to it you can't beat the traditional 'cover-all' name of Sunday School.
However, the Bible is full of language about being 'Gods Family' and so we feel we should all meet together - adults and kids alike - every now and then. Also it gives the Sunday School Teachers a week off. So it is that we have a 'Family Service': All members of the church from 0 to 109 stay in the service and worship together.
The service itself should be slightly different to a normal service; a range of songs including childrens songs and 'adult' worship - be that hymns or modern songs - should be included. The children would normally take some active part, perhaps by doing a Bible reading or leading the prayers or (::shudder::) doing a drama. Finally the talk (sermon) should be accessable by all ages and abilities and preferably very short.
Does this ring true with the way your Family Services are supposed to run? Do they usually fit the profile or is the reality somewhat different to the template?
Next post I'll tell you what often happens in our Family Services.
Ernie.
