GCPC Nursery Changes

As a church fellowship, at the time of covenant baptisms, we vow to “undertake the responsibility of assisting the parents in the Christian nurture of [their] child.” That’s a commitment that we want to take seriously. Of course, in the day-to-day life of the church this vow can be fulfilled any number of ways – teaching Sunday school, developing relationships with families and children, and, perhaps easiest of all, serving in the nursery.

For the past year, the only regular child we have had in the nursery has been Will. And, while we’ve been in our new building, his siblings have basically taken turns keeping him during worship and we’ve had a rotation of volunteers during Sunday school. However, it’s the conviction of your elders that worship is important for everyone, even children. We want children to come and participate in worship to the best of their ability as early as possible. I’ve come to realize that we have neglected our baptism vows, not just to Will, but to Jack and Julia, by asking them to stay in the nursery with their younger brother on such a regular basis.

Likewise, if a visitor were to show up on a Sunday morning with an infant that needs to be in the nursery, they just aren’t going to feel safe leaving their child with a middle school boy.

In light of this, your Growth in Grace Committee made a recommendation to the session which has been unanimously approved, that we begin a regular rotation of nursery workers during worship and Sunday school. As testimony of their commitment, the committee members volunteered to take nursery during worship through the month of March. Beginning in April, then, you will be asked to serve in the nursery on a regular basis in both Sunday school and worship.

Let me try to anticipate your questions.

Who will serve in the nursery?

Every able-bodied female member of GCPC over the age of 13 will be automatically added to the rotation. If you are not a member but would be willing to serve, please let Jeff know. And, for now, one worker will be sufficient.

Why female?

For child protection policy reasons and as a by-product of our size, we have always limited the nursery to females. This isn’t a permanent standing rule, but merely a holding pattern until we are large enough to warrant more nursery workers.

Will we serve for both worship and Sunday school when it’s our week to work?

No, but you’re certainly welcome to do so. We will assign two different workers for each Sunday who will trade places during the snack time before Sunday school. The thinking is that we hate for someone to miss everything instead of missing just one. If, however, you want to work both on a given Sunday, you are welcome to coordinate that with others (i.e., switch with someone).

What if I can’t be there on the Sunday that I was assigned?

It will be your responsibility to switch with someone. Through the wonderful technology of Church Center (both the website and the mobile app – Apple and Google Play), you have access to a directory and can call/email/text someone to trade Sundays with you.

What if no children show up?

You will need to be available and aware of possible nursery-age visitors and, of course, Will, but if none show up, then you’re free to remain in the worship service.

But I…?

Teach Sunday school? You’ll only be asked to work during worship.
Help lead music in worship? You’ll only be asked to work during Sunday school.

Thank you for serving your church family,

The Session of GCPC