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I was looking to prepare some spiritual songs for the children in Sunday school. I am having a hard time finding nice songs for children in English—something like the Arabic ones that we learned when we were growing up (e.g., 3an2ood 3enab, etc.).  

I see a lot of resources on some children's songs that are very nice, but I am concerned that they did not originate by the Coptic Church (e.g., originated from a Methodist, Baptist, etc. church in the U.S.).  I screened some of them to see if there would be any hidden meanings that are unorthodox, but even so, I am worried that if we teach them these songs and they become familiar with them, then if they hear the song outside of the church that it would be familiar to their ears, and then they would feel that it is permitted to go to that other church because we share the same songs, etc.

Am I over thinking it? I am comparing this to some songs that we learned when we were growing up that are protestant (e.g., rambo fel madrassa). If I go to one of those "concerts" by the protestant community, I would feel familiar with them and maybe if I were to be invited by them to join their meetings, I would not feel like it is a big deal.  That is what I am trying to avoid.

These children are around 8-9 years old. Maybe this would be more dangerous in the teenager age when they can actually go to other churches and be lead to attend there, but I am not sure.

It is important to decipher which hymns adhere best to our Coptic Orthodox identity and doctrine before sharing the music with impressionable children and youth. Music is a form of praise for the purpose of worshiping God. Music also targets the emotions. Be careful to not confuse your personal cultural upbringing with those born and raised outside of Egypt. The same way that you have fond memories that ascribe significant spiritual meaning to the hymns that are familiar to you, the children and youth need to have the same opportunity so to be inspired by spiritual songs within their own western cultures, but yet, still fit into their Coptic identity. New generations are turned off by just literal translations. There are many hymns that are very beautiful and in no way contradict our beliefs and dogma. Choose carefully and remind the children that singing spiritual hymns is done with joy and reverence, but we do not dance, waive our arms in the air, nor clap as they may see others do in different churches. This is not just to teach them to be merely judgmental, but rather, they ought to be respectful to different practices, but keenly observant, and foremost, confident in their own heritage and value the teachings of our church. Thus, we must educate them on what to sing and how to sing. May the Lord provide talented servants to not only translate lyrics, but also to make them fit into a beautiful melody for the purpose of praising our God.

Below are some links of English, Arabic, and Coptic hymns that are appropriate and useful for teaching children and youth.

http://www.suscopts.org/children-corner/EnglishSongsA.html
http://www.suscopts.org/children-corner/ArabicSongs.html
http://www.coptichymnsinenglish.com/selah/
http://www.orthodoxsongs.org/modules/spiritualsongs/