There are attended activity tables where children can color, write, draw, or do crafts in the main meeting room. If children need to get up and move around more than the adults that's okay. This, of course, occasionally leads to a little extra chaos but we think that over the long-haul this is worth it for both the children and the adults.
We realize that this may be different than the more age segregated approach which many people have come to expect. But we would suggest that only as children observe and participate in what the adults are doing will they begin to own it and embrace it for themselves. Only as children are regularly given real jobs -- helping with ushering, music, and reading will they see that they are important and begin to develop their own gifts. Only as they sing with adults will they begin to value the medium of music. Only as they share in the same prayers as the adults will they become praying people themselves.
While we do not shy away from meaty preaching and teaching, the presence of children reminds us that we need to keep things as simple as possible -- a long-term benefit to both children and adults.
It is our desire to be a blessing to children and through the process to be blessed by their presence with us.
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:13-16 (TNIV)