Roots & Wings: Intergenerational Formation Collaborative (R&W) is a grant focused on empowering congregations to practice vibrant intergenerational liturgy, especially in Episcopal contexts. Our grant team defines intergenerational liturgy as liturgy that seeks to intentionally engage and equally value the gifts and needs of two or more generations (or every generation present). You can read more in our article “What Is Intergenerational Worship?” This article series, “Roots & Wings FAQ,” offers responses to frequently asked questions about intergenerational liturgy.

A Question of Compatibility

When I began serving as the Project Director for Roots & Wings, I started exploring the resources for intergenerational liturgy that were already available. I discovered some truly wonderful and creative materials, but most were not a fit for Episcopal congregational contexts where Holy Eucharist Rite II is the norm for corporate weekly worship. One popular model for intergenerational worship is worship stations, a model where intergenerational small groups rotate through stations set up with interactive scripture and prayer activities. Worship stations often work well for less liturgically structured denominations and can be a great way to deepen intergenerational relationships, but they are not generally compatible with Holy Eucharist Rite II.

Since resources for intergenerational worship in less structured liturgical settings are more readily available, I often get asked if it is possible to practice intergenerational worship in more traditional Episcopal churches. The question might sound something like this:

“I’m in a more formal context. Your image of an inter-generational environment gives me anxiety. How does this work in a more formal liturgical setting?” (see Being an Intergenerational Church Resource Paper #2 for the image mentioned in this question).

Intergenerational Liturgy Is about a Cultural Shift

Good news: Intergenerational liturgy is not about implementing a particular program or curriculum, like worship stations. It is about a cultural shift that values the gifts and needs of every body of every age.

Worshipping communities can be both intergenerational and traditional by practicing the five hallmarks of intergenerational liturgy: intentionality, relationality, dignified reciprocity, flexibility, and empowerment. These characteristics may show up differently in more formal settings, but they are feasible and can complement the liturgical frameworks in these settings.

Here are a few ideas that can work in formal worship contexts:

Intentionality

Including a note in the bulletin that welcomes people of all ages and lets parents and caregivers know they can step out as needed then return is a way of intentionally welcoming children while explicitly setting expectations about what behavior is acceptable in your context (it’s okay to come and go).

Relationality

Training vergers and acolyte coordinators to serve as mentors, not just logistical supervisors, is a way of increasing relational depth between young people and adults.

Dignified Reciprocity

Children’s choir structures that teach choral music similar to the music learned by adults and offer vestments that are similar to the adults’ show children that they are worship leaders, just like the adult choir.

Flexibility

Notifying the congregation before incense is used, or making it clear on your website if it is used weekly, is a way of honoring the different physical needs of worshipers.

Empowerment

Getting to know people of all ages (even young children) and offering meaningful leadership opportunities that fit an individual’s gifts, interests, and capability sets free the gifts of the community on behalf of the community.

Formal & Intergenerational Liturgy Are Not Mutually Exclusive

The practices of intergenerational liturgy 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 all ages. People of all ages can be engaged by incense, bells, chanting, and processions. And many people appreciate a consistent routine.

Featured image is by Pbritti on Wikimedia Commons; image has been cropped