
CRADLE Ministry Ideas - Nurturing the Youngest
With CoVid restrictions in place, leaders may wonder...
With CoVid restrictions in place, leaders may wonder...
- How will we stay connected to families with babies and toddlers?
- How will we invite new parents with the youngest children?
- How will we provide Baptism for little ones?
IDEAS:
1. A VIRTUAL GROUP: Offer a parent/ grandparent/ caregiver group (similar to a Mom’s group)
Goal: To enable a church to connect with families and for families to connect with each other to build relationships.
Invite parents to a zoom gathering once a month or seasonally (based on holiday themes)
Keep it short, 30-35 minutes
- Offer an opening prayer and a faith quote to focus on (Do introductions)
- Offer an informational segment on parenting
- Offer a problem solving moment when parents talk about concerns and discuss issues to solve
- Offer time for little ones. A show & tell with a pet, a mini faith video, a Bible song video, and / or a craft
- Introduce your caregiver (If you have one from in-person ministry.)
- Resource ideas: 101 Great Games for Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers (author: Jolene L. Roehlkepartian)
- “Splash” ( from Augsburg Fortress) For parents of newborn to 3 yr old children. This is not a digital resource. You will post a hard copy only
- Frolic by Sparkhouse A digital e-newsletter for parents
- Frolic by Sparkhouse is digital! Free trial 30 days!
- Seasons Growing Faith Leader Guide with matching mini books/cd (not digital but easily adapted) available from Woodlake Publishing
Invite Grandparents to join their littlest grandchildren in an interactive, easy to manage setting.
6. BAPTISM: Some churches are doing a virtual ceremony from a family home. Parents and others in the home are able to participate in a blessing for the child with water or oil at the direction of the pastoral leader.
Provide an item for the baptized child as a gift from the congregation: A first book of prayers, a chalice, a blanket, a candle, a corsage, and/or other traditional items to mark the occasion.
Baptism Books and Resources:
My Baptism Book
by Sophie Piper, illustrations Dubravka Kolanovic
At Your Baptism by Carrie Steenwyk, illustrations Linda Saport
Wonderfully Made-A Keepsake Book of Faith Moments
by Kristin Limberg and Tera Michelson, illustrations Mary Jo Scandin
Splash! We Do- A Guide for Godparents from Augsburg

Author
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Kristin Putney
Kristin is the Minister of Faith Formation for Children & Families at the Southern New England Conference.