Babies introduced to worship with Praise classes

Bouwhuizen laughs as Tashika Crooks sings to her 4-month-old daughter Caedyn. Crooks says Caedyn loves to smile.

Hobbs (left) tickles Gabriel while Bessie laughs behind Bryce. Whole Life Ministries began the services in September.

Tashika Crooks looks at her 4-month-old daughter Caedyn after the praise class.

Instructor Bouwhuizen shakes some maracas with 3-year-old Gabriel during the Baby and Me Praise class. Rattles and other items are also used during the services.

Betsy Bouwhuizen (left) plays a worship song on the guitar while Gabriel Williams (center), 3, dances with Bryce Lewis, 2, and 14-month-old Julie Anna Wambsgans during a Baby and Me Praise gathering at Whole Life Ministries in Augusta. Jeannen Hobbs (center) and Bessie Common sing along. The gatherings let parents and children worship together in a child-friendly atmosphere.

Ribbon used during the Baby and Me Praise class.

Betsy Bouwhuizen (right) swings 14-month-old Julie Anna Wambsgans in a game called "The Apple Tree" as she teaches the Baby and Me Praise class at Whole Life Ministries. Julie Anna's mother, Liz, watches.

Tashika Crooks and her daughter Caedyn play in the praise class. Crooks said Caedyn is a happy baby.

Liz Wambsgans (left) plays with 2-year-old Bryce Lewis (center) during the Baby and Me Praise class at Whole Life Ministries. Three-year-old Gabriel Williams (right) hides behind a red handkerchief as he plays.

Rattles and maracas are used during class.

Instructor Betsy Bouwhuizen (left) has the members of her Baby and Me Praise class stretch and get active during worship at Whole Life Ministries.

Betsy Bouwhuizen shakes maracas during the Baby and Me Praise class.

Betsy Bouwhuizen (left) plays a worship song on the guitar as 3-year-old Gabriel Williams (center, left) looks up alongside 2-year-old Bryce Lewis (right) Jeannen Hobbs and Bessie Common sing along.