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RE: Babies in Church - 11/15/2009 11:40:50 PM
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demiskateboard
Posts: 1
Joined: 10/15/2009
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Yes, I agree.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/15/2009 11:58:45 PM
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his_chosen
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Yes, they CAN learn. But at what point do you admit that they aren't there yet? For a very long list of reasons, I haven't been to church for about 4yrs. Basically gave up on the whole God thing. For the past several months a running friend has been encouraging me, and this morning I was finally ready to go back to church. I chose a small church near my house. Through the entire service there was a little girl--I'm thinking 4yo or so--who talked. Her mom repeatedly shushed her with no luck. Becuse of where I am in my faith right now, I found it very distracting. So frustrating to be at the point of "okay God, let's try this again", only to have it ruined by a child who should have been in SUnday school.
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You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/16/2009 5:50:09 AM
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Sideways
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Oh, I'm sorry His. That's a tough situation to be in. I hope you do return, if not to that church but maybe another.
I've actually chastised other people's children, because the parents weren't able to keep control or unwilling to take them out, but I realize you weren't in a good position to do that. A few baby noises or the occasional correction to an older child is one thing, but constant noise from anyone is unacceptable in a church service.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/16/2009 10:47:17 AM
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his_chosen
Posts: 1224
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Yah, I understand that people are noisy. Adjusting in your seat. Shuffling papers. That sort of thing. With babies, you expect a bit of fussing. As long as the parent is doing something about it and it is quieting the baby, I'm fine with it. I have four kids. I've been there! But, if your kid can't be quiet, please take them out of the service.
Yah, eventually I'll go back again.
_____________________________
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/16/2009 11:06:44 AM
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doinkdom
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From: The higher lowcountry
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I suppose for us being a housechurch...we don't really have the children issue and whatever does happen with kids, can be handled differently.
Sunday mornings, the kids have their discussion time while the adults have theirs, but we are all together for everything else and we're all together on Wednesday evenings, too.
If a child refuses to be still, it's handled by coloring books, etc. If a child is rebellious and talking back causing more than a little commotion...then, there's discipline and that is whatever the parents have agreed to.
_____________________________
"Well in my experience if something seems too good to be true
it's best to shoot it just in case."
~Fi
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 9:49:03 AM
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clag4christ
Posts: 1610
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From: We just moved to the big state of Texas!
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quote:
ORIGINAL: his_chosen
Yes, they CAN learn. But at what point do you admit that they aren't there yet? For a very long list of reasons, I haven't been to church for about 4yrs. Basically gave up on the whole God thing. For the past several months a running friend has been encouraging me, and this morning I was finally ready to go back to church. I chose a small church near my house. Through the entire service there was a little girl--I'm thinking 4yo or so--who talked. Her mom repeatedly shushed her with no luck. Becuse of where I am in my faith right now, I found it very distracting. So frustrating to be at the point of "okay God, let's try this again", only to have it ruined by a child who should have been in SUnday school.
Wow...glad you're back attending a worship like the Lord commands us in Hebrews 10:24-25...
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The part I bolded reminds me of the following in the Gospel of Mark...
10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
I personally don't think that 4 year olds need to be shuffled off to "Sunday School" even if they are a bit chatty at times. The mother of that 4 year old might have been in the same circumstance as you...been away for a while and incredibly *thirsty* for the Word, but not yet comfortable with leaving her child alone with nursery workers she'd never met. And who knows...maybe because of your reactions to her child's chattering she was disillusioned from coming back and being fed...let's hope that wasn't the case. 
_____________________________
<-----My two littlest and me
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety. Benjamin Franklin
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 11:29:41 AM
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Sideways
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That is funny. My church, unfortunately, does a lot of hymns with all the emotion and pacing of a funeral dirge. Sometimes we get some good praise songs, but not always. On the other hand, I've been to churches where the same simple chorus is repeated over and over, and it's called spirit-led praise. So, there's a balance to be had.
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Come to the dark side. We have cookies.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 11:41:51 AM
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manda59
Posts: 8735
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Sideways
That is funny. My church, unfortunately, does a lot of hymns with all the emotion and pacing of a funeral dirge. Sometimes we get some good praise songs, but not always. On the other hand, I've been to churches where the same simple chorus is repeated over and over, and it's called spirit-led praise. So, there's a balance to be had.
I personally would find it hard to cope with a church like that, and also it's not the kind of "church experience" I'd have wanted for my children either. I think if God had called us to a church like that, we'd have been right in there perhaps organising a separate praise and worship evening, or hosting a cell group and having more lively worship there.
We don't just have a number of children at church (the pastor refers to their "noise" as "signs of life" which I think is lovely), we have about 15 special needs adults, some of whom make noises during the service (one lady almost constantly clears her throat, it's like a tic). I think if people wanted a quiet reflective kind of atmosphere they'd be more inclined to go to the Baptist church across the road, or the Anglican church round the corner, where they don't have many children or special needs adults.
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"Manda stole my answer" - bolt. March 2010
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 11:53:48 AM
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his_chosen
Posts: 1224
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clag--Like I said, there were MANY reasons why I stopped going to church. One of them was because I attempted to discuss concerns with the pastor and he told me "if you don't like it, leave". Kinda like being told to go to hell, isn't it? Wouldn't you be put off from attending worship? As far as the mother and chatty child, they were sitting behind me. I never looked back. After the service, I simply left. Doubtful that my actions would have made her feel unwelcome.
_____________________________
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 12:17:20 PM
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manda59
Posts: 8735
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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quote:
ORIGINAL: his_chosen
One of them was because I attempted to discuss concerns with the pastor and he told me "if you don't like it, leave". Kinda like being told to go to hell, isn't it? Wouldn't you be put off from attending worship?
That happened to us once. We prayed about it and then just went to another church. Totally different from our old one, a small Methodist Chapel in a tiny village where they welcomed us with open arms.
quote:
As far as the mother and chatty child, they were sitting behind me.
Could you not have moved? If it was that annoying, that's what I would have done.
_____________________________
"Manda stole my answer" - bolt. March 2010
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 3:48:53 PM
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Mrs.Wifey
Posts: 3624
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The Gorgeous plains of Colorado
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quote:
ORIGINAL: his_chosen
clag--Like I said, there were MANY reasons why I stopped going to church. One of them was because I attempted to discuss concerns with the pastor and he told me "if you don't like it, leave". Kinda like being told to go to hell, isn't it? Wouldn't you be put off from attending worship? As far as the mother and chatty child, they were sitting behind me. I never looked back. After the service, I simply left. Doubtful that my actions would have made her feel unwelcome.
I understand where you are coming from. I am finally comfortable in our church home after a very horrible previous experience at another church.
Our church encourages people to utilize the Sunday school/nursery facilities and I'm glad that they do so. Infants/babies are welcome but your asked to keep your kids quiet or watch the service from another part of the building(there are several other places to watch the service VIA tv feed).
_____________________________
Ryanne- trying hard to be my husband's girlfriend and my daughter's mother.
I'll keep my guns, freedom, and money- you can keep "the change."
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RE: Babies in Church - 11/17/2009 7:03:47 PM
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peculiar_lady2
Posts: 4866
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quote:
My church, unfortunately, does a lot of hymns with all the emotion and pacing of a funeral dirge.
ROFLOL...sorry Ruth, but that cracked me up.
quote:
One of them was because I attempted to discuss concerns with the pastor and he told me "if you don't like it, leave". Kinda like being told to go to hell, isn't it? Wouldn't you be put off from attending worship?
Hazel...I would have been put off from something like that, but not from all church or God, just that particular church. But that's me. That's neither here nor there. There was more then just that in your life at the time, and I can understand that. I have been praying for you for a long time, and I am very VERY glad you are trying to get back into things.
I really REALLY hope you haven't been put off enough by that situation OR by the posts here to write off church for another few years, or forever. Maybe another church, or another seat is in order...I will pray that God draws you to the right place. Have you thought of getting back into a different type setting...like a small class type setting or a home church/bible study meeting type setting? Maybe something where you can interact a little more...or where kids are off in another area and aren't a distraction so much?
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Proud to be...  
The LAW presses from the outside to conform. GRACE calls to the inside to change.
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A quiet comment from a kid, or the occasional cough shouldn't be a problem. But when it's a constantly chattering toddler or a person with an uncontrollable coughing fit, staying there and continuing the noise is extremely discourteous.
Hey Manda...I am only 32...lol 