Children Worship & Wonder

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What is Children Worship & Wonder?

An exciting way of approaching faith formation with children is the best way to describe Children Worship & Wonder. In Children Worship & Wonder children have the opportunity to hear Bible stories and form responses out of their own life experiences. They learn the meaning of church traditions and participate in worship practices (Young Children and Worship, Introduction).

Children Worship & Wonder is a Montessori influence program and is often effective with children who have attention deficit problems. It can be used with children as young as three years old. It can be either a children’s church or children’s church school program.

Respect of Children. This program recognizes that even very young children are spiritual beings who already have a relationship with God. In Children Worship & Wonder children are not seen as empty vessels for us (adults) to fill with our understanding of God. Adults are guides who offer space, tools, and language which help children deepen their already existing relationship with God. In Children Worship & Wonder we trust, that given the opportunity, children will bring their own life experiences to the stories of God and will receive what they need.

Encouragement of Imagination. There is not enough time and space in today’s world for children to use their wonderful imaginations. Television, videos, computer games rarely encourage children to call upon their own creative possibilities. There are too few places for children to learn about the gifts of quiet and solitude. Churches are uniquely equipped to offer these gifts.

Developmentally Appropriate. Children Worship & Wonder allows children to use all of their senses and motor skills. It includes lots of repetition and lots of ritual which children love.

Children Learn about God while Being in God’s Presence. Children Worship & Wonder is worship. It is a chance for adults and children to worship together in a way that is meaningful for both.

Numbers do not Matter. This program can be done with one child or fifteen children.

The bottom line is that Children Worship & Wonder is a worship experience for children.

Resources

Children Worship and Wonder Online Storytelling Training

· · Jan 2025

CW&W Storytelling Training in Albuquerque, NM

Topic: Storytelling, Training · · Jan 2025

CW&W is a faith-formation, worship-centered approach rooted in storytelling, ritual, and fellowship that is used with children in churches to help them deepen their relationship with God. Children Worship & Wonder can be used during the congregations worship service or during Sunday School.

Best Practices for the CW&W Room during Flu/Cold Season

Topic: Storytelling · Explainer, Handout · Dec 2024

Helpful tips for the Children Worship and Wonder Room during Flu and Cold Season

Top 10 Children Worship and Wonder Storyteller Tips

Topic: Storytelling · Explainer, Handout · Dec 2024

By: adapted from "Storytelling" by Sonja M. Stewart Ph.D.

Tips for Children Worship and Wonder storytellers, adapted from "Storytelling" by Sonja M. Stewart, Ph.D.

Children Worship and Wonder Virtual Training

· · Aug 2024

CW&W Storytelling Training – Norman, OK

· · Aug 2024

This is a training provided by a qualified trainer. In this training, the basics of Children Worship & Wonder will be taught, and the training will certify storytellers and greeters.

Children Worship & Wonder

· · Apr 2024

Baptism Story for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Topic: Baptism, Storytelling · Download · Dec 2006

A Children Worship and Wonder story guide for Baptism in the tradition of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Experience

You can find Children Worship and Wonder Story Videos here: 
https://www.youtube.com/@familiesandchildrendoc/videos

Children Worship & Wonder Trainers 

• Elaine Austin, Coordinator, T-3 Trainer, North Carolina Region 
• Lisa Engelken, T-3 Kansas City Region 
• Pat Barton, T-3 Trainer Arizona Region 
• Petie McLean, Trainer Kentucky Region 
• Tracy Parker, Trainer Kentucky Region 
• Diana Hodges-Batzka, Trainer Kentucky Region 
• Ruth Winkler, Trainer Southwest Region 
• Kelley Porter, Trainer Kansas City Region 
• Laura Phillips, Trainer Kansas City Region 
• Mary Beth Harper, Trainer Florida Region 
• Debbie Walker, Trainer Ohio Region 
• Julia Jordan-Gillett, Trainer Oklahoma Region 
• Linda Presley, Trainer Indiana Region 
• Kaye Edwards, Trainer Indiana Region 
• Gene Derryberry, Trainer North Carolina/Tennessee Regions 
• Cathy Perring, Trainer Pacific Southwest Region 
• Kanessa Miller Doss, Trainer Alabama/Northwest Florida Region 
• Jane Nettles, Trainer Alabama/Northwest Florida Region 
• Leslie Gillian, Trainer Southwest Region 
• Sally Selzer & Christina McFadden, Worship Woodworks

Engage

Under the Engage tab you’ll find a full list of Upcoming and Past Events from Children Worship and Wonder.

Upcoming Events

CW&W Storytelling Training in Albuquerque, NM

Date: January 24, 2025 6:00 pm – January 25, 2025 5:00 pm (Mountain)

Location: Albuquerque, MN

Program: Children Worship & Wonder

Children Worship and Wonder Online Storytelling Training

Date: January 31, 2025 6:00 pm – February 1, 2025 12:00 pm (Central)

Location: Online Via Zoom

Program: Children Worship & Wonder

Past Events

CW&W Storytelling Training – Norman, OK

Date: September 30, 2024 9:00 am – September 30, 2024 7:00 pm (Mountain)

Location: Norman, OK

Program: Children Worship & Wonder

Children Worship and Wonder Virtual Training

Date: November 11, 2024 6:00 pm – November 12, 2024 12:00 pm (Central)

Location: Online Via Zoom

Program: Children Worship & Wonder