At our Diocesan Synod this spring the youth and family ministry VSST officially launched the Welcoming Families in Worship; Audit and Reflection Guide. Several of the parishes went home with paper copies of this reflection guide. But if you would like access to a digital pdf copy, that can be found Here!
The Welcoming Families in Worship resource is here for all parishes to utilize as we think intentionally about what it means to create and host a welcoming space and culture in our parish community for families (both those who are weekly attendees and those who may only come seasonally or for a baptism or other life event). It includes thoughtful questions for each parish as you consider your own context of family ministry.
"This resource exists to help parishes equip themselves so that, when families join them, they can be prepared. Although many of the parishes would already consider themselves welcoming, expressing this welcome requires some hard thinking and some hands-on prep work, and you may not know where to start. This is an “audit.” It is a tool for helping you assess your current practices more clearly, and for suggesting directions of growth."
If you know anyone in your congregation who works with children's or family ministry, this may be a super helpful resource to take a look at- please share this link with them! Or if you would like a printed copy contact: youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca
Thank you to all those who worked this past year to help put this resource together! Your efforts are much appreciated!