CHILDREN’S WORSHIP FAQ

Who is Children’s Worship for?

Children’s Worship is for all children ages 3-11 (rising PS/preschool through rising college/middle school).  Children aged 2 and under can be cared for in our nursery (nursery@acparis.org), and students in college and lycee (high school) are invited to participate in our youth group (youthpastor@acparis.org).  Please note: withstanding exceptional medical conditions, your child should be toilet trained in order to participate in Children’s Worship.

When does Children’s Worship take place?

Children’s Worship takes place during our 11h and 14h worship services each Sunday.  Children’s Worship takes a break each summer starting in late July through the rentree (back to school) in September.

Can I accompany my child to their class?

Yes! Parents are welcome to join their kids in Children’s Worship.  If it is your child’s first time, or if they are anxious about being separated from you, we encourage it!

It’s our first time.  Where should we go?

When you come into the church, be sure to stop by the children’s check-in desk.  Our check-in desk attendant will give you two name tags: one for you, and one for your child.  Your child will put their nametag on, and you will keep yours.  (When you pick your child up after the worship service, you give this name tag to their teacher).  Once you have your name tags, you can proceed directly into the sanctuary with your child.

It’s my child’s first time, and they’re nervous.  What can I do to help them get ready?

Please feel free to look through this document with them: Coming to Children’s Worship: What to Expect.  This will walk your child through a first person account of what they can expect to do while in our program.

How does drop off and pick up work?

Kids will begin the service in the sanctuary with their parents.  During the children’s blessing, the pastor will invite the children forward to hear a special message.  Afterward, kids leave the sanctuary with their teachers and go to their classroom.  When the service is finished, we ask that you please go directly to your child’s classroom (before getting coffee) to pick them up.  

Where can I find my child after the service?

All classrooms are located in the basement of the church, which can be accessed via the staircase located in reception.  At the 11h service:

• Children ages 3-5 can be found in classroom G1 (located directly to the right of the staircase)

• Children ages 6-8 can be found in classroom G7 (located at the end of the hallway)

• Children ages 9 and older can be found in the catacombs (walk to the end of the hallway, turn left, go into the gym, and continue left through the gym until you pass through the double doors)

At the 14h service, all children can be found in the G7 classroom (located at the end of the hallway).

My child doesn’t speak English.  Is that a problem?

We welcome children of all backgrounds and spoken languages.  But we ask that you please note: our program is primarily conducted in English.  If your child is French speaking, some translation may be available, but should not be counted upon.

My child has a food allergy or other medical condition.  Who should I speak with?

It’s best to speak with program director Allison Wheeler in advance.  You can contact her at childrensworship@acparis.org.  You can also tell our check-in desk attendant, and they can note any relevant medical needs on your child’s name tag.

My child has special needs.  Are they welcome in Children’s Worship?

Yes!  All children are welcome in Children’s Worship.  If there are accommodations that will help your child to integrate into our program more fluidly, and to feel more safe and comfortable during their time with us, please be sure to speak with our program director in advance.

If you have a child with mobility challenges, please note that our 14h worship services only makes use of spaces that are fully accessible.  (During the 11h service, we make use of the Catacombs, which are only accessible via a staircase).

Likewise, if you have a child that would benefit from a quieter, calmer environment and more personalized adult attention, we strongly recommend the 14h worship service for this purpose as well.  (We generally have fewer than ten children attending this worship service, while we regularly welcome close to 50 children during the 11h service).  

Are there any music programs for kids at the American Church?

Yes!  ACP’s children’s and youth choirs rehearse on Sunday mornings, with breaks on school holidays.  They sing frequently in our Sunday worship  services.  For more information, contact Youth Music Director Sara Barton at ymusic@acparis.org.

Where can I leave my stroller and/or scooter?

Strollers and scooters cannot be brought inside the church, but they can be left in the covered stone portico.  Security guards are present all day on Sunday, so your belongings should be safe.

Is there anything for kids and families to do at the American Church besides Children’s Worship?

Yes!  The American Church hosts programs and events for kids and families throughout the year:  parties, service opportunities, parent support group, and Vacation Bible School, just to name a few!  The best way to stay up to date on what’s going on for families at ACP is to make sure that your child is registered for Children’s Worship via our website (acparis.org); this ensures that you receive our weekly parent email, which includes details about all upcoming events.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact program director Rev. Allison Wheeler at childrensworship@acparis.org.