Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
As we look ahead to Thanksgiving week and then the Advent season, I pray that we will stay rooted in peace and make moments to slow down and be still. This Brief Theology of Thanksgiving includes a reflection on the history of the day along with some helpful practices and research on the power of gratitude. Whether you have a simple tradition of sharing thanks around the table, journaling, or some other expression of heartfelt gratitude, I pray that this coming week holds moments of joy and connection for your precious families.
Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunity
If you are looking for a different way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, consider volunteering with one of our local partners, Union Station Homeless Services, at their annual Dinner in the Park that is quickly approaching! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to make each of their Dinner in the Park programs possible, including food sorting, preparation, cooking, packaging, and serving. If this is your first time volunteering with Union Station, you will need to attend a volunteer orientation prior to signing up for a Dinner in the Park shift on the Volunteer Portal. They are also in need of canned food items to create the perfect holiday meal for their clients and community. Canned food items they desperately need include canned corn, canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and jellied cranberry sauce. All items can be dropped off at their Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA) any day of the week from 8:30am to 2:30pm. They are also in critical need of other meal ingredients and supplies for packaging and serving. Whether you shop directly from their Amazon Wishlist or Target Wishlist, your support in this area is necessary and much appreciated.
Parents' Night Out
Parents, mark your calendars for Parents' Night Out on Friday, December 1st, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.! Pastor Mary and I are planning a night of fun for all kids so that parents can have an evening to themselves. We will provide programming, food, and fun for kids so that you can have a few hours to use as you wish (dinner out? a nap? a movie? Christmas shopping?). Kids can come for the full time or any fraction of it. Click here to RSVP so we can plan for food and care accordingly.
Kids and Youth | Carol Service
We are so excited for our kids and youth to help lead us in worship at our annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 10th! Our preschoolers (our oldest nursery kids) will be participating in the nativity, and I will email those parents about that separately. Our kids above nursery age will be singing two songs at this special program as well as participating in our nativity. Our youth will be participating in candle lighting, singing, and the nativity as well. Our kids and youth will be singing a fun version of "Joy to the World" (lyrics here). Our kids will also join with the choir to sing the classic "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). Please share those with your child/youth so they can begin to practice at home in addition to our regular practice on Sundays during our time with the kids. Could you please respond here and let us know if your child/youth is able to attend and participate that evening?
Please mark your calendars for the dates:
December 9 — Carol Service Rehearsal for kids/youth from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
December 10 — Carol Service (kids/youth should arrive at 5:30 PM)
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. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of Jacob and Esau.
Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with Pastor Mary and me in the front pews. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. This week the kids will continue to explore the theme of gratitude and why it is important that we practice thankfulness on a regular basis.
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What does the Bible show us about practicing gratitude?
How does it feel when someone expresses gratitude to you?
What are some ways to be thankful each day?
YOUTH
We are on for our regular time of lunch and discussion this week! We'll also begin practicing for the Carol Service. We'll finish at 1:30 PM as usual, and all youth can be picked up in the park on the Union Street side. Next week our youth will join in the hanging of the greens.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay