Hi, Friends!
I pray that you are enjoying the beautiful weather and getting a chance to step outside. Brody had a nice little crawl session in the church park the other day, so he definitely loves this California sunshine.
I hope you can join us for the Mardi Gras potluck on Sunday! Our potlucks are always an intergenerational experience where we get to enjoy one another and worship God by having fun together. Who knew there was so much theology in the practice of potlucks? It's also our chance to feast and fellowship before we head into a contemplative season of Lent with Ash Wednesday next week. Join us for all of it!
Nursery - Elementary
This Sunday the kids will be learning about the time when Jesus was sleeping during a giant storm. What a silly Jesus! We are excited for our kids to think deeply about Jesus' choice to nap in the middle of a crisis and to uncover what God is teaching us through that moment. Perhaps Jesus was not the silly one in the story after all.
Family Discussion Starters:
Why do you think Jesus chose to sleep at such a scary time?
What did you learn about the character of Jesus in this story?
What would you have done at that moment if you were one of the disciples?
Have you ever felt like God was asleep during a time you needed help? What does this story teach you about those times?
Prayer: Lord, help us to have faith and confidence in you even when we are afraid.
Children's Choir
Children's Choir will continue to worship and prepare for Palm Sunday during their regular Sunday school hour. You can help your child learn the songs by playing these videos at home or in the car: "Rejoice the King is Coming" and "Cloaks and Branches." You can check out this lyric sheet for "Rejoice the King is Coming." We are so excited for them to lead us in worship this spring!
Youth
This Sunday the youth will join us all at our Mardi Gras potluck after worship. We hope this will be a fun intergenerational time of fellowship, food, and joy!
Parents of youth, feel free to send me information if we can attend a competition, event, or performance with or in support of your youth!
For Good Measure
A Better Dinner Conversation with Family and Friends
I stumbled upon this article about how to connect at a family gathering by Priya Parker and watched her short Ted Talk. Her ideas definitely challenged me to think about how to create space for more connection and meaning in the everyday gatherings (and in the special ones!). I thought you might find it interesting, too. Here's to making the most of our conversations and creating space for transformation in them.
Screens and Teens
On Tuesday, February 25, I am going to attend a screening of a new documentary called Screenagers: The Next Chapter. It's about how screen time affects our teens, and it will be followed by a discussion panel featuring local therapists who specialize in these types of issues. If you want to join me, you can RSVP here (it's free!). If you can't make the screening but want to learn more, stay tuned for a future gathering where we can discuss the topic together. Many thanks to Grace Goodman for passing on the event information!
Have a blessed weekend, and I hope to see you Sunday morning!