Some parents delight in having their children worship with them in church. Others, particularly mothers, feel that the presence of their children at worship prevents them from fully entering into and appreciating the experience. The trend certainly is to have children worship with their parents. Out of our experience attending church with toddlers here are some thoughts.

• We have a dedicated area for children which you may use at your discretion. It is in the side chapel to the right of the Altar.

• Let your child draw or write during the service. Children eavesdrop while doodling and often hear more than we think they do. Sometimes their art is very profound and reflects the readings or something important to them. Ask permission to "turn it in." We love to feature their artwork!

• Sit near the front so your child can see! It is easier to focus if we can see what is going on.

• Help your child refocus when his/her attention wanders. "See what the reader/priest/deacon is doing/saying now?"

• Help your child follow the service in the Prayer Book or Service Booklet. Help your child learn about the Prayer Book at home so he/she will be comfortable using it during Sunday worship.

• Ask restless children to look around and draw what they see...

• Ask your child to listen carefully to the Gospel (or another reading) so he/she can retell it or draw it (older children can rewrite the story using their own words.)

• Ask your child which hymn he/she likes best. Let your child sit with another adult or family from time to time.

• Help your child memorize the Lord's Prayer and the responses such as "And also with you."

• Feel free to give your child a break by taking him/her out if you think it is necessary.

• Quietly answer your child's questions during the service; it is less disruptive than "shushing."

• Children learn from example--be a good role model.

• Affirm your child's good behavior in church.

What is the Youth Fall Lock-in?

Welcome to the Fall Lock-In, a weekend experience that has been called, "The best weekend ever!" by people who've been there! Open to students currently in grades 6-12, this Friday evening through Sunday Noon event invites participants to be engaged with God's presence as well as the community around them. Plus, the sheer amount of fun will be pretty awesome, too!

The EpiscoWisco Youth Fall Lock-In is taking place November 14-16 (Friday-Sunday) at ST. FRANCIS EPISCOPAL CHURCH in MENOMONEE FALLS, WI (Kettle Moraine Region)! Both students & adult chaperones will stay on-site, eat yummy food, partake in worship, large & small group activities, and more!

Cost to attend the weekend will be $25 per person (students & adult chaperones), which is made possible by very generous support from local youth ministries, congregations, and diocesan support.

Fees may be paid online via the payment portal built into the registration system (Realm, which is the system that DIOWIS now uses and the payment portal we used for Camp 2025). If you prefer to pay with check, please follow the instructions given during the registration process. 

Scholarships are available to families who need them! Contact Erin Wolf at erin@diowis.org to discuss scholarship opportunities. Cost should not be a reason to miss the Fall Lock-In!

The final registration deadline will be announced in early Fall 2025. We can't wait to see you November 14-16 at ST. FRANCIS, MENOMONEE FALLS! Registration opening MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 and will close at the end of day on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2! Read on for more important information.