1. The Service should be for the whole family of God not just for `families'.

2. It is not a `Children's Service' to which adults are invited nor is it an `Adult Service' to which children are invited.

3. There should be something suitable for everyone on the 'programme'.

4. Build the service round one coherent theme whenever possible. (The 'Church Family Worship Book' can help in this. -

5. The short attention span of the youngest should be considered. As a rule of thumb' one minute for each year of a child's age can be considered as the probable average attention span.

6. Bear this attention span in mind in choosing hymns, songs, readings, prayers etc.

7. Introduce visual items whenever possible as these aid the memory and direct the attention. Consider: song words projected on to the screen (unless the church has `pillar problems'); visual prayers and quizzes; illustrated `talks'.

8. Younger folk particularly (especially the under elevens) need to be actively involved in the Service as this aids memory and increases enjoyment and participation. Consider: playing instruments - however simple; reading prayers and Bible verses; demonstrating chorus actions; acting simple sketches and drama items.

9. Everyone learns better when they are involved in `activities' rather than merely being a listener to a `talk-. All-age Services provide the opportunity to be innovative in this area.

10. The hearing problems of the elderly should be considered especially with 'nonprofessional' speakers taking part - so - rehearse well and use amplification if available.

11. Rehearse those who are speaking - not only for the reason above - but also to ensure that the standard of involvement is honouring to God.

12. A long passage read straight from the Bible is unlikely to receive the attention of young children. A short reading from a modern version, with points to look out for mentioned first, is better. It may be helpful to use the Dramatised Bible - with more than one reader - possibly in different parts of the church and possibly with some clothing or item to indicate their 'role'. The knowledge that a quiz, or questions, will follow will help to gain attention.

13. Ensure that those taking part, and visuals being displayed, are high enough to be seen by short people sitting behind tall people!

14. Remember that groups taking part will need time to rehearse so plans should be formulated 6 - 8 weeks in advance.

15. A couple of items like the creed, collects and other prayers from the church liturgy should be included for the sake of older members of the church family and to gradually familiarise children (and parents who are not regular attenders) with the content of the more formal services which they may not yet attend. The parts of the liturgy which are included can vary from Service to Service. Long term planning as mentioned in '14' above will enable leaders of groups to introduce children to such items in advance of the All Age Service so that they are then recognisable to children.

16. If a large number of people are taking part the 'logistics' need to be planned carefully to ensure continuity.

17. Harvest, Toy and Easter Egg Services etc. provide a 'built in' opportunity for the restless to move around whilst bringing their contribution forward. Other opportunities for movement (without embarrassment) are beneficial in other services.

18. Leaders should avoid introducing an item as being `for the children'. This puts the adolescents who want to be thought of as adults but feel that they are still considered to be children, in a difficult position - especially if only `the children' are expected to take part in what follows.

19. If the Service is in the context of Holy Communion, ensure that the adults involve the children in `The Peace'.

20. Under normal circumstances a service with young children present should last about 45 minutes and certainly be no longer than an hour. In cold weather, with no toilet facilities in the church, this is probably all the elderly can manage too!

21. Speakers should avoid `talking down' to children, using church `jargon' or difficult vocabulary. Today's language is essential in order to make worship relevant to children and 'outsiders' . There are other occasions when traditionalists can enjoy t he language of yesterday.

22. Not all leaders and speakers find it easy to do so in a way that involves everyone. Care should be taken to make most use of the people with the appropriate gifts.

23. Consideration should be given to the relative merits of children sitting with their peer groups or with their parents. The latter could put emphasis on the 'nuclear' family rather than the church family and make folk without young children feel left out but sometimes it is the only opportunity for families to worship as a unit and parents may be reluctant to let their children sit elsewhere. Leaders who are unable to worship with their partners or families at other times may prefer to be freed from their group responsibilities at a 'once a month' All Age Service. What then happens to children whose parents do not attend?

24. Amongst the aims of an All Age Service should be for each person ....
    .... to have been aware of the nearness of God,
    .... to have heard God speaking to them,
    .... to have felt themselves to be 'one of the Family',
    .... to leave the Service thinking, "I'm glad I was there".

George Lihou, Explorers, Climbers and Scramblers 1992
CPAS Athena Drive, Tachbrook Park, Warwick CV34 6NG