Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
The past weeks have brought news of both joys and sorrows in our community. We have felt the full spectrum of experience and emotions, and we have felt called to remain present to all of it. I wanted you to know some of the ways our kids and youth have been invited to share love with their church family recently. They have written notes of congratulations to members with new children and grandchildren, words of comfort to those grieving a loved one, and letters of support for those who are sick and facing long roads to recovery. We have shared with them what it means to come alongside their church family in all seasons of life, and they have done so with kindness and love. Pastor Mary and I are thankful that our kids and youth are part of the church at large; their willingness to bless and love others is a precious gift. We hope you’ll find time to ask them about these small but important acts of love and to encourage them, too. Thanks for creating a community where we know each other well and offer our presence no matter how young or old we are.
Palm Sunday Plans
We are so excited for our kids to join us in worship and singing on Sunday, April 2, for our Palm Sunday service! They have been practicing with Cynthia each week, and Pastor Mary and I can verify that your kids are great singing worshippers. Because they will be joining the adult choir and processing in with palm branches at the start of the service, we need them here at 9:30 AM that Sunday to practice and get set for the morning. We'll have some pastries and coffee for parents at that time so you can hang out together. It's going to be such a fun morning! To help your kids practice at home (and to have a family dance party), here are links to both songs:
Thanks for helping our church to worship as an intergenerational community. We are so excited to worship with them and to begin Holy Week as a church family!
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 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 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. We are excited to have time for snack, Holy Week activities, and singing with Cynthia in preparation for Palm Sunday!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What is Holy Week?
What will we remember on Palm Sunday?
YOUTH
Please note that this week our youth will be off for some time to be with families. We will resume our weekly Sunday gathering next week!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay