Roots & Wings: Inter Generational Formation Collaborative (R&W) is a grant aimed at enabling congregations to practice dynamic intergenerational liturgy, particularly in episcopal contexts. Our grants team defines intergenerational liturgy as one that seeks to intentionally engage and equally value the gifts and needs of two or more generations (or each generation present). You can find out more in our article “What is intergenerational worship?” » This series of articles, “Roots & Wings FAQ,” offers answers to frequently asked questions about intergenerational liturgy.
A question of compatibility
When I began serving as Project Director for Roots & Wings, I began exploring the resources already available for intergenerational liturgy. I discovered some truly wonderful and creative material, but most of it was not suited to Episcopal congregational contexts where the Eucharistic Rite II is the standard for weekly corporate worship. A popular model of intergenerational worship is worship stations, a model in which small intergenerational groups alternate between stations set up with interactive writing and prayer activities. Houses of worship often work well for less liturgically structured faiths and can be a great way to deepen intergenerational relationships, but they are generally not compatible with the Rite of the Holy Eucharist II.
Since resources for intergenerational worship in less structured liturgical contexts are more readily available, I am often asked whether it is possible to practice intergenerational worship in more traditional Episcopal churches. The question might look like this:
“I am in a more formal context. Your image of an intergenerational environment worries me. How does this work in a more formal liturgical setting?” (see To be a reference document for the intergenerational Church n°2 for the image mentioned in this question).
Intergenerational liturgy is about cultural change
Good news: intergenerational liturgy is not about implementing a particular program or curriculum, like places of worship. This is a cultural shift that values the gifts and needs of every body, of every age.
Worshiping communities can be both intergenerational and traditional by practicing the five characteristics of intergenerational liturgy: intentionality, relationality, dignified reciprocity, flexibilityAnd empowerment. These features may appear differently in more formal contexts, but they are workable and can complement the liturgical frameworks of those contexts.
Here are some ideas that may work in formal worship settings:
Intentionality
Including a note in the report card that welcomes people of all ages and lets parents and guardians know they can go out if necessary and then come back is a way to intentionally welcome children while explicitly setting expectations for acceptable behavior in your context (it is acceptable to come and go).
Relationality
Training orchardists and acolyte coordinators to serve as mentors, not just logistical supervisors, is one way to deepen relationships between youth and adults.
A dignified reciprocity
Children’s choir structures that teach choral music similar to that learned by adults and provide clothing similar to that of adults show children that they are worship leaders, just like the adult choir.
Flexibility
Informing the congregation before using incense, or clearly indicating on your website whether it is used weekly, is one way to honor the different physical needs of congregants.
Empowerment
Getting to know people of all ages (even young children) and providing meaningful leadership opportunities that match an individual’s gifts, interests, and abilities unlocks the community’s gifts on behalf of the community.
Formal and intergenerational liturgy are not mutually exclusive
Intergenerational liturgy practices may take more work to discern or be less obvious in traditional contexts. But formal liturgy and intergenerationality are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, these contexts have unique gifts to offer to all ages. People of all ages can participate in incense, bells, chants and processions. And many people appreciate a consistent routine.
The image shown is of Pbritti on Wikimedia Commons; the image has been cropped
Sarah Bentley Allred (she/her/hers)
Sarah Bentley Allred is Project Director for Roots & Wings: Collaborative Intergenerational Education through Lifelong Learning at Virginia Seminary. Prior to joining Lifelong Learning, Sarah served as Director of Children and Youth Ministries for four years, then completed the M.Div. program at VTS with an emphasis on Christian formation. She is passionate about children’s spirituality, intergenerational worship, and small church formation. She loves local cafes, board games, the beach, and exploring new places with her husband, Richard, their daughter, Eleanor, and their dog, Grace. To learn more, visit sarahbentleyallred.com.
