Digging for Treasure: An Intergenerational Church Service to Remember
- Andrea Anderst
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Our church gathers for an intergenerational service once a month—a reflection of who we are. We’re a small but close-knit community with a wonderfully homey feel. On any given Sunday, you’ll find us chatting well past the first notes of the gathering song, sharing bagels and coffee, playing with kids as they run around, and approaching faith with curiosity, warmth, and a deep love for both God’s story and each other’s.
These intergenerational services bring that culture to life. With all ages together, we step into an interactive style of worship—learning, sharing, and engaging as active participants. We’re still discovering what works (and what doesn’t), but this past Sunday was something special.
We explored one of Jesus’ shortest parables—the Parable of the Hidden Treasure from Matthew 13:44. It’s just one verse, but the image of digging up buried treasure sparks something in all of us. The thrill of the hunt, the joy of discovery—these emotions run deep.
Most of us have a favourite treasure-hunting movie (ever seen The Goonies?!). If you think about it, we also have personal treasure stories—whether it’s a rare trading card, a family heirloom, or that one-in-a-million thrift store find. Something about searching, finding, and valuing speaks to us. And when we read this parable, those feelings bubble up.
Perhaps it’s that same sense of excitement and worth that Jesus taps into with this parable. His words can be interpreted in several ways, but for this service, we focused on how discovering Christ and the treasures of His kingdom transforms our lives—just like unearthing something truly priceless.Jesus’ words can be interpreted in many ways, but for this service, we focused on how discovering Christ and the treasures of His kingdom changes our lives—just like finding something of immense value.
A Treasure-Themed Intergenerational Church Experience
We started with singing, setting the stage for the theme of discovery and joy. Then, I shared a childhood story about how my love of treasure began—not with gold or ancient maps, but with prizes hidden in cereal boxes. It was a simple, funny memory, but it resonated with everyone. The hunt, the dig, the discovery—it's universal.
With laughter still lingering, we broke out into two experiences:
Digging Through Scripture (Adults & Teens)
The adults and teens gathered in small groups to go on their own treasure hunt through scripture. Each table was given a passage, and together they dug in, discussing what Jesus was offering as a treasure. Some groups quickly answered the questions, while others dove into deep, meaningful conversations.
At the end, everyone shared their insights, creating a communal teaching moment. It was beautiful to hear our own people interpreting, explaining, and experiencing the treasures of Christ together.
A Treasure Hunt for God (Kids)
Meanwhile, the children had their own storytime experience. We read one of my favorite books that describes different images of God and talked about how experiencing God is like finding treasure. The kids shared their most treasured images of God—each answer heartfelt and profound in its own way.
Then, it was time for a treasure hunt! I spent time with the preschoolers, and we played a simple game: hiding a coin inside lumps of playdough. Over and over, their little hands searched, squeezed, and then lit up with pure joy when they found the hidden treasure. A game for them and a gift for me—the joy of God's presence shining through their smiles.
A Feast of Treasured Recipes & Memories
After the service, we gathered for a treasure-themed potluck. People brought their treasured recipes to share, filling the tables with flavours and memories.
One of my favourite childhood traditions made a comeback—money cupcakes! I baked cupcakes with wax paper-wrapped coins hidden inside, and the shouts of glee when kids found loonies and toonies were just too fun. (Yes, we’re a Canadian crew!)
Show & Tell: The Things We Treasure
As we ate, we invited everyone to bring and share a personal treasure. Walking around the room, it was amazing to see what people had brought. One table overflowed with hockey memorabilia (because, of course—we’re Canadian). Someone even had a complete set of 90's McDonald's hockey cards! Disney trading pins, family heirlooms, and cherished photographs all told stories of meaning and memories. Each item sparked conversations and new connections, as we learned things about each other we never knew before.
A Perfect Reflection of the Parable
The whole service had a light, relaxed feel—full of laughter, connection, and discovery. There was no big presentation or lengthy sermon, just singing, a simple story, and a chance to learn together. Smiles were everywhere—a perfect reflection of the parable and a celebration of the treasures we have in Christ and in one another.
Would love to hear from you in the comments! What intergenerational worship experience have you treasured? Or, what's the first treasure you remember discovering as a child?
I've packaged all of the materials we used to put this service together if you are interested in hosting a similar service in your church. You can find the service kit here.
Two of the treasures I remember as a kid were prizes found in chips and pop. Hostess chips had a collection of iron-on simpsons patches to collect and Pepsi caps came with opportunities to win a free pop or even a free pizza!