Form & Freedom

If you’ve attended A Sunday service at CapChurch, you’ve probably noticed that we do things a little differently. This includes our kids participation in our community. Read the following article by our Pastor Paddy Ducklow regarding: Noise, Distractions, Fun, Dance, Talking, Meeting And Other Expressions Of Human Life at CapChurch. This is intended for responsible Parents and our CapKids Leadership.

Serve One Another In Love

I like what Paul says about “form and freedom”:

“It is absolutely clear that (1) God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you (2) don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do (3) and destroy your freedom. Rather, (4) use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. (5) If you bite and ravage each other, watch out – in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?” (Gal. 5:13-15 in The Message – the numbers above correspond to the points below.)

Here is What Paul makes “absolutely clear”

• Christians are called to freedom and this includes our kids.
• Do not confuse “doing whatever you want to do” with freedom.
• Doing whatever you want destroys your freedom and the freedom of lots of people who relate to you.
• Freedom is really the love that serves one another.
• Self-centeredness leads to un-freedom and disaster.

OK. What About Kid’s Noise at CapChurch?

Do you know what? Anything alive makes noise! And one of our goals is that CapChurch be alive with the worshipping, growing and learning sounds of people. At CapChurch, some argue for greater freedom (here people talk about “grace”); some argue for greater form (the term “reverence” is often used). In fact, both are Christian virtues! And both are values of CapChurch! According to Paul the Apostle, our values are to “serve one another in love.” We are not permitted to use our values to harm each other. What an original solution! This is what I see happening at CapChurch – we are seeking ways to “serve one another in love.”

We want to ensure our kids have free access to the grace of God. For kids this is done by movement and “limited” enthusiasm. (Church is not a play ground!) We want to ensure that all adults and other family members are permitted an opportunity to worship God in simplicity and truth. (Church is not a mausoleum!)

Here is our Current Wisdom on the Matter!

This sounds very much like the Old Testament book of Proverbs! We understand that we do not yet have the final answer – we are waiting for your response to help us move further than we are. But this is where we are right now.

We want to teach our kids to dance to the Lord. Why? Because children learn the grace and acceptance of God through freedom and form.

What this does not include: This does not mean running, sword fighting, playing tag, jumping, hitting, racing nor screaming. Slamming doors is also not a good idea.

We ask parents and others to come alongside the dance leader and work as his / her assistants during worship. Here is your job description: (1) assist the children in worship dance – welcome them in by your participation in dance (don’t only watch – get involved); (2) solve problems before they start – “swoop” up a child that is distracted or frustrated and love him or her into worship dance. If your child does not wish to dance, please take your child back to your chairs.

Keep to the dance area. The carpeted area towards the front of the church on the North side is the kids’ dance area. This is protected real estate but make sure that your kids stay away from the speakers and banners as well as computer cords and the stage – we don’t want your children hurt or harmed. The carpets show the limits of your kids’ freedom! The ribbons and banners are so that their freedom can be especially enjoyed.

Also … if your child is having a bad day (kids have them too), take your child outside for a few moments. This is part of serving one another in love. Please don’t permit your kids to run the outside halls – this is a cacophony hard to bear!

Parents have bad days too – somebody else help out a parent that seems to have his or her arms full. Serve one another in love.