Rooted Together Chapel
What Is Rooted Together?
Sunday worship in the Episcopal Church follows a meaningful rhythm.
The first part of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, where we hear scripture, read psalms together, pray for the world, and acknowledge our shortcomings as we prepare ourselves for communion. The second is the Liturgy of the Table, when we gather at the altar to receive Holy Communion.
Rooted Together is our children’s worship experience during the Liturgy of the Word. It is designed to honor the shape of Episcopal worship while creating space for children to engage scripture and prayer in ways that meet them where they are.
Each Sunday, children hear one of the appointed scripture readings for the day—most often the Gospel. The reflection is offered in the style of Godly Play, a way of presenting biblical stories that is intentionally non-prescriptive. Rather than explaining what a story means, Godly Play invites children to wonder, ask questions, and discover meaning for themselves.
Children also participate in prayer and confession in developmentally appropriate ways, mirroring the practices of the larger service while allowing room for movement, creativity, and curiosity.
Rooted Together is intentionally timed so that children return to the main service for Holy Communion. We believe communion is central to our worship and that it matters deeply for children and adults to receive it together.
The name Rooted Together is inspired by Jeremiah 17:7–8, with its image of lives planted near living water—grounded, nourished, and growing. It reflects our belief that faith is formed best in relationship, with children and adults rooted together in worship, story, prayer, and shared life.
Baskets contain all the parts and pieces to tell a Godly Play Story. Children are encouraged to explore.
What to Expect on Sunday
Rooted Together takes place during the first part of the 10:00 a.m. worship service.
Children hear scripture, pray, and engage the story through wondering, conversation, and hands-on responses.
The space is designed to welcome a wide range of ages.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to join their children in Rooted Together, or to let children participate independently while they remain in worship in the Nave.
Children rejoin their families in the Nave in time for Holy Communion.
The Rooted Together Chapel is located in our Preschool. If you are visiting, please feel free to ask a greeter or usher to help show you the way.
If you’re visiting for the first time, know that there is no single “right” way to participate. Our volunteers are glad to help, and families are encouraged to choose what feels best for them on any given Sunday. You and your children are welcome here.
Gold Boxes contain the Gospel Stories.
Children and Communion
At Saint Dunstan’s, communion is not an optional part of worship—it is at the heart of what we do together.
We believe children are full members of the Body of Christ, not future participants. Rooted Together is shaped around that belief, which is why children return to the main service so that the entire community can receive communion side by side.
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church. Children who are baptized are invited to receive, and families are encouraged to make the choice that feels right for their child. Children who do not receive may come forward for a blessing.
However you approach the table, know this: children are not guests in our worship. They belong here.