"How do we make worship relevant and meaningful for children as well as adults? ..." a question often asked and grappled with by leaders of congregations. What are the keys?

Some churches "solve the problem" by separating children from adult worship and having "Junior Church". What else can work?

In Duntroon in North Otago a rural congregation meets once a month. This is part of a larger parish centred on Oamaru but the Duntroon worship team is a group of local people committed to planning and leading worship together. Judith Milmine, the team organiser, acknowledges "Much of the learning for us as team members is in the planning meetings. Creative ideas suggested by one person spark creativity from others." ... and they ARE a very creative bunch: musicians, storytellers, artists and discussion leaders. This team came into existence in order to ensure that families with children would feel welcome at church. ... and they are succeeding in that goal.

Not only do families feel welcome but they participate. A different family group each time leads the prayers for others. Another family takes up the offering - and a child leads the offering prayer. A brilliant sixteen year old pianist plays sensitively and reverently. Children have a story or action time at the front and this is a learning experience for adults too. Pews have been moved so that during the sermon or adult discussion time there is a carpeted space at the front of the church where children co-operate on an activity that extends that learning - in a way that is vitally connected to the theme of the service.

Children then minister to the whole congregation in sharing their "work". This is accepted as part of the worship offering and the learning experience for all ­ not an extra tacked on at the end. Children ministering to adults is an integrated part of worship.

Children are also integrated into worship in St Andrew's Clevedon - but just for the first fifteen minutes before they go to a lively 'Kidstime'. Before leaving, however, the 40+ children chat with minister Mark Chapman about how they have helped others recently until Mark invites them all to say "God loves me and I am special". That simple message repeated weekly also endorses for adults the key theme for this congregation.

Once a year the congregations of St John's and St Philip's Papatoetoe in suburban South Auckland are treated to worship led by the Girls Brigade. Theme inspiration came in February for the August service: Moving on - with God, accepting change - while letting go of the past, of hurts and of mistakes. All the girls were involved. Even the youngest helped by linking parts of the service as they travelled around the church singing verses of "Keep me travelling along with you".

Learnings from Abraham, Joseph and Zaccheus were delightfully acted and sung about - with either readings or musical background. The older girls danced a meditation. Leaders shared provocative thoughts about letting go and moving on: "We need to be better not bitter." "Cremate your past, don't embalm it." There was stirring congregational singing... and an invitation to personalise the commitment to move on.