Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
I hope you had a fun Halloween! Every year I share this brief theology of Halloween, and every year I am reminded of how beautiful it is to see neighbors opening their homes to share treats as people of all ages walk together and share kind greetings. As we took our kids up and down decorated streets, I was struck by how much goodwill was in the air. What a lovely glimpse of neighborliness that is possible!
Tomorrow we have the opportunity for our kids, youth, and adults to lead us in singing. We value these intergenerational collaborations with singing, so thanks to our parents for bringing your kids and youth at 9:30 AM tomorrow for our final rehearsal. We have begun practicing "Waymaker" with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. You can bring your kids to the lobby, and then parents are invited to hang out and enjoy pastries before worship starts.
Kids & Youth Christmas Choir Collaboration
It is also time for us to begin practicing our songs for the annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 8. Mark your calendars for that Sunday evening! Our kids and youth are invited to sing and be part of our nativity as is our tradition. Last week we began working on "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). We'll also be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold). Their final song will be "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). Please mark your calendars for December 7 from 10AM-12PM for our dress rehearsal.
SUNDAY
KIDS
Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will explore the ways that God is our Good Shepherd.
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!). It will be a beautiful morning together as a church family, and we welcome the presence of our kids in worship.
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What are some ways you can be a good neighbor in your neighborhood?
Why is singing an important part of our worship?
YOUTH
Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week with lunch included. We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. Parents, keep an eye out for an email about upcoming youth events.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay