Abbey Kids and Intergenerational Community
West Central Abbey strives to be a place that is
radically hospitable
to people of all ages and abilities.
The vast majority of our community’s events are places where children, senior citizens, and everyone in between are welcomed with equal joy and learn from each other.
Our approach to this work is also shaped by the values of the Formed in Faith Project.
Sunday 4:00 PM Liturgy — Kids Welcome!
Kids are always welcome at our Sunday 4:00 PM service. The first two-thirds of the liturgy include poetry, a story, and reverb where adult topics are often explored. We provide seating, fidgets, and activities designed with children in mind and are unphased by movement or quiet noise.
If your child sits with you from the start, be aware that some topics may prompt questions you’d prefer to handle later. For parents who prefer a separate option, we offer:
Godly Play in a nearby classroom for children who can sit for a short story (typically ages 3+).
Official Baby Bouncers to assist with infants and toddlers who need extra care.
Choose what works best for your family—we’re glad to have you here.
Godly Play at the Abbey
Godly Play is a children’s spiritual formation method supported by 40+ years of research and practice. It builds on the principles of Montessori education to help children make meaning through story, wonder and play. It nurtures spiritual lives “by honoring the centrality, competency and capacity of children.” Practically speaking, our time together includes a small snacktime, a story, and time for children to respond to the stories with play, crafts, writing, etc. It looks a lot, but not exactly, like this video. Children move from the classroom to the chapel before Communion in the last third of the service. In the chapel they may sit with their parents for the end of the liturgy or stay with the Godly Play staff and Eucharist Buddies who can help them participate, depending on your family’s needs and desires.
“We envision a world that honors the inherent worth and dignity of every child and nurtures their unique spiritual journey.”
-Godly Play Foundation vision statement
What does a Sunday look like in our Godly Play Classroom?
Godly Play is staffed each week by two adults: a Storyteller who guides the time and a Doorkeeper who helps with children’s practical needs. These adults have always received Safe Church training and comply with its policies. Our practices are inspired both by Abbey families and the principles laid out in the Episcopal Church’s Children's Charter. We strive to keep parents in the loop by regularly providing previews of scheduled lessons for regular attenders.
If you’re planning to visit and would like to preview the Godly Play story for that day or if you’d like to learn ways to enlarge on what your child learned in Godly Play when you’re back home, please contact the Abbey office.
We love and are very used to serving neurodiverse children and adults!
Neurodiverse kids are welcome in both liturgy and Godly Play. We strive to provide sensory supports in both environments and are always looking for ways to make participation more comfortable for all our community members.
The Abbey office is happy to answer questions and discuss how we can meet your needs before or after a visit.
To learn more about Godly Play, the mission and values behind the ministry, and resources available click the logo to the right.
