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Children's Story Guidelines
We encourage members of the congregation to be the childrens' story teller during the worship service. This is ministry for children and for the child in us all. Our participatory worship service is an important part of our parish life. The Worship Committee offers these suggestions in the hope that your contribution will be meaningful to you and to those in the congregation.-
Please keep your audience in mind as you prepare. They are young, active and have a short attention span. Therefore, your remarks ought to be from 5 to 10 minutes long. Visual aids are very helpful. Keep the language and the ideas simple, direct and personal.
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If you read a story, make sure the children can see the pictures, and read with animation.
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You have many resources at your disposal: the scripture passages for the worship service, personal stories from your childhood, and even common household or garden items may inspire a story. The insights of our pastor may help in preparing your presentation. When possible, the story should relate to the day's readings.
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Once you have an idea or theme for your presentation, consider your purpose: do you want to teach, to persuade, to involve or to entertain? Your purpose will determine your style and your supporting material. You don't have to tell a story/narrative; you might want to discuss an idea with the children, teach them a simple song, etc. Whatever the style, you should consider having an introduction, middle and conclusion to your presentation.
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Traditionally, the children's storyteller sits with the children on the floor in front of the table, facing the rose window. However, you are free to change the location or seating arrangements as appropriate to the story or to your needs.
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Please obtain the wireless microphone before the service begins. Even though your primary audience is the children, the adults want to hear you, too! And when you are speaking, please direct your voice straight to the mike. This type does not pick up sounds from the sides-only straight on. Even with the mike, you still need to project your voice to the back pews.