Since September of last year I have had the privilege of being a part of the team that makes Children's Chapel possible. This is a worship service for children ages 2 - 5 that takes place in the chapel during the 9:00 church service.

The history of the Children's Chapel can be traced back to the 1950s when it was led by Nancy Sitterson. Mrs. Sitterson could not tell me who made the altar, which we still use today, but she did tell me that it is the same one she used. The Chapel of the Cross has been blessed with a succession of Children's Chapel leaders since then. Gale Yeager has been the primary leader for the past 20 years. Gale's example and inspiration have made the chapel service into what it is today.

Children that are attending the chapel service gather on the playground when there is good weather, otherwise in the Campus Center.   After a few minutes of play, the children don wooden crosses to wear during the service.  Some of the children are assigned duties such as acolyte, Bible bearer, and crucifer. The children process to the chapel and sit on the floor in front of a child-sized altar. We start with a call to worship led by one of the children.  Then we have a lesson given by the adult leader and singing, accompanied by the organ. We pass the peace and pray the Lord's Prayer and share our joys and concerns. We then dismiss the children and they process back to the playground or Campus Center. The service begins at 9:15 and ends at 9:45. The early ending time allows parents to come and take their children to communion, which is encouraged.

We are blessed to have a strong team to help Children's Chapel run smoothly. There are five leaders: Janine Edmundson, Gretchen Jordan, Hazel Shepherd, Gale Yeager, and Kesslyn Tench; each takes a turn leading the chapel service once per month. There are two organists: Greg Bell and Jean Leuchtenburg. Joy Gattis and her son Kellen are helpful in ensuring safety and helping the children enter into a spiritual state of mind for the worship service. A new addition to the team this year has been a troupe of “Young Saints.” These youth perform many services before, during, and after the service. Their modeling of proper behavior is teaching the children just as much as the prepared lesson.

Our children are the future leaders of this world. It our responsibility to ensure they have solid Christian values. Every time I attend a baptism, I take a vow to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ by word and example.  I also promise to support the baptized children in their life in Christ. By leading Children's Chapel, I feel that I am helping to fulfill my baptismal covenant.

We would like to find one or two more leaders for Children's Chapel. We welcome male and female leaders. If you feel a call toward this ministry please call Gretchen Jordan. We also welcome visitors. You need not be a parent. If you would like to attend the worship service, we ask that you please sit with us and join in rather than observing from afar.

Send items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads."
The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.

© 2003 The Chapel of the Cross