"Years ago, I attended with anticipation my first intergenerational service at a Unitarian Universalist church. While this congregation honored and nurtured its children in many ways, what was billed as an intergenerational service was not intergenerational at all. It was a show, professionally run, for children. It looked as though the youngsters had staged a coup d'etat. The children, who usually spent Sundays in the religious education wing, were now up front. Most of the congregation was absent. The few adults who attended were primarily relatives of the children who were performing. The underlying message was depressing: Intergenerational means by and for children and their families only; unrealated adults will be bored and should stay at home." From When Youth Lead by Jill M. Schwendeman
I'd love to see intergenerational services always contain a roots and wings dialog of sorts. As the readings, one would be done by a child or youth, another by an elderly adult (not just a parent or advisor) both on the same topic. Thus creating a mini "fishbowl" on the issue at hand. Each generation I think would be enriched by hearing from the other, and perhaps challenged to speak the other as well. And there would be more incentive for people without children to stay for the service.
For those of you reading, what are some highlights of intergenerational services that you have been at? What experiences have really worked to build connection, understanding and a shared sense of the holy in intergenerational worship?
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