Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
Last weekend on the youth retreat, we spent a lot of time exploring our theme of belonging. We journaled about how God has created us and what makes it hard for us to show up fully, to trust that we can belong just as we are. Jensen invited us to consider how courage and community are required for true belonging. Michael helped us analyze the pieces of our identity and the perceptions we have about people. We wrote cards for folks in our church community who are grieving, battling illness, or celebrating an important milestone—because they belong to us, and we want to share in their hurt and their joy. We ate meals cooked by members of our congregation who believe that our youth belong to them. Chip led us through a closing activity where youth affirmed one another with specific examples from the weekend. And we watched as youth who are new to the group settled into their own sense of belonging. It was a full and beautiful weekend that reminded me just how rare and vital it is to show up with enough vulnerability to let yourself truly belong. Thanks to all who made the weekend possible, whether through prayers, food, leadership, loaned vans, or purchased tamales. The storm might have kept us out of Big Bear, but it certainly didn't keep us from having the retreat our youth needed (who knew Temecula would be the perfect place for us?!). Thanks be to God.
If you still need to pick up your tamales, we have them for you! Just email me to let me know when you want to pick them up. Payment can be made with cash or check, and we have some important heating instructions to make sure you take with you.
Read and Play Saturdays
Lakeshore is hosting free events every Saturday this month. They read a different children’s story each month and activities related to the themes of the book. You can check out each Saturday's theme and more details here. Happy reading and playing!
SUNDAY
KIDS
Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service.
Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up a fun survey to fill out during worship—Pastor Mary will have that ready in the lobby, and it's always a favorite activity for our kids (and youth!). Any kids who are coming early with parents attending a Sunday School class can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. You might want to have some discussion this week about how your kids are experiencing church and our worship service. It's a great time to let them ask questions, too!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
Who in our church usually sits near you if you sit in the same general area during worship?
If you could lead part of worship, what would you want to help with?
Why do you think singing is an important part of our worship service?
YOUTH
We are excited to have our regular youth gathering after worship this week! Parents can pick up their kids at the park gate on Union Street at 1:30 PM.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay