Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
I pray that your family experiences both rest and play each week, especially as we begin a new year and schedules start to get full once again. I have been thinking about our families with kids extra, knowing that you are navigating all kinds of decisions for your children as you nurture and hold up so many desires and hopes for each of them. Brody got a new bicycle with pedals for Christmas, and we took it for a ride at Lacy Park this week. Emma Kate is just learning how to zoom around on her scooter, so I knew this would be a good opportunity for Brody to experience some independence. As he rode around the paved loop, mostly visible but too far for me to reach instantly, I was so excited for the sense of courage and joy he felt in his independence. He made it around three times while I helped Emma Kate scoot at her own pace, and then he returned noticeably upset—he had a minor crash and was discouraged that he was no longer the "safe rider" he thought he was. After reassuring him, he got back on the bike and rode off again. What a microcosm of parenting: constantly letting go a little more, watching the joy and struggle, and being there to help them process whatever comes of it, especially if it means dispelling shame. It reminded me of this movement to create more opportunities for independence for kids. It has been good food for thought even if some of the ideas feel really challenging for some parents. May you feel encouraged and strengthened in all the tiny moments of letting go for the sake of growth!
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 Queen Esther. Don't forget to grab a take-home sheet with some simple ways to explore the story at home.
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. This week the kids will spend time exploring some special words of intention that they might embody or cultivate as we begin a new year. We are so happy to be back with them each week!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What are some gifts we receive from Jesus?
How can we use those gifts to bless others?
What is one way you want to pray for God to help you grow this year?
YOUTH
This week we have our regular youth gathering after worship. Lunch is included as always. Last week we talked about some words of intention for the new year, so you might want to ask your youth about the word they picked and what that might mean for them in their current season of life. Yay for youth!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay