Description of grant:
This worship consultation grant is available, through the Kids Meet Christ (KMC) program, to WDC congregations who are willing to explore cultural changes with a goal of elevating the communal worship experience for all participants, particularly focusing on children ages 0-12. WDC will connect congregational grant recipients with consultants who respect and understand Anabaptist Christian theology and have experience with congregations working to enhance the worship experience for children in an intergenerational setting. We will prioritize grant applications which focus on integrating children with special needs into worship and encourage these congregations to consult with Anabaptist Disabilities Network.
We also welcome other creative projects that would benefit from consultation, such as the role of children in contemplative worship, reimagining whole body worship, and how to effectively use worship visuals and storytelling.
From 2025-2029, the WDC Resource Commission and Kids Meet Christ Program will offer and oversee 15 grants of $1,000 each for congregations whose applications are approved. This would likely mean 1-2 sessions for the congregation led by a consultant. However, once Kids Meet Christ staff match consultants with applicants, you will then work together to determine an individualized consultation format.
Applications are due by September 1 and March 1 of each year through March 2029. Applications will be processed within 4-6 weeks and congregational consultation shall occur within a year. Please complete the online form below, or email a completed application to wdc@mennowdc.org, or send to Western District Conference, KMC Director, PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117.
For more information, contact Grace Parker Sutter, program director of Kids Meet Christ, at kmcdir@mennowdc.org.