Christopher's Day at Church

Christopher enjoys going to church. He doesn't know much about God, or worship yet. But he knows he is among people who care about him.

When we arrive at church, we help him out of his carseat. He walks across the parkinglot, holding my hand, or the hand of one of his older siblings. At the door, he stops to shake hands with the greeter. We have a rotating schedule for greeters, so it is not always the same person. Their faces often register surprise and joy, as Christopher extends his hand to them.

Christopher knows the way to his classroom. He recently moved up to the next class, and will get a bit confused as he passes the door to his old one. He enjoys going to children's church. They have a playtime, with many things we don't have at home, such as a sand table, and tiny toy kitchen.
They serve a snack to the children. I was concerned about this, since Christopher cannot bite and chew as well as typically developing children. But the teacher and helpers do a good job helping him and making sure he is not just cramming the food into his mouth.
They have music time, which, I believe is Christopher's favorite thing in class. He enjoys music and loves to clap, dance and play rhythm instruments. The teacher expressed to me today how much she enjoys seeing Christopher participate in music time, how his face lights up with joy.

Most children Christopher's age have a difficult time with sitting still for storytime. We have always made it a point to work with our little ones at home, so they are better able to understand and cooperate during children's church.

After church, Christopher likes to visit his favorite people and places in the building. He seems to always manage to go to the stage. There are many interesting things there, and he is drawn to it. We had a puppet show and a play in the recent past, and Christopher will sit on the chairs and clap excitedly, like he is hoping for an encore.

Our church is at the bottom of a long hill, and usually, by the time we are at the top of the hill, Christopher is sound asleep. It has been a full morning of fellowshipping with others and, in his own unique way, of worshipping the Lord. I believe in my heart that the Lord is pleased with Christopher's worship.