Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
I was so moved last week as our adults, youth, and children sang together in worship. I received their singing as a kind of sermon, prayer, and blessing all at once. In the midst of a week like this one, our intergenerational community is a source of comfort and hope for me. Watching young children play and laugh and move is a reminder of how our kids have great wisdom to share. Likewise, I pray we as adults can model how to hold sadness and grief alongside hope and joy, to name emotions honestly while remembering that we are deeply, divinely loved. I give thanks for the generosity and kindness that is evident in each of you, from our youngest to our oldest. This Sunday it will be so good to gather together, offer hugs, and deepen our sense of love and belonging.
Parents Night Out!
We are planning a night of fun for kids so parents can enjoy an evening out (also known as "Parents Night Out"). You can drop off and pick up your child anytime between 5:30-8:30 PM on Friday, November 22nd, and then head out to do whatever your heart desires! We'll serve dinner and provide activities for your kids. You can register your kid(s) with this link.
Kids and Youth Christmas Choir Collaboration
We have already begun 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 continue to explore the ways that God is our Good Shepherd.
Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week we will wrap up our series on kindness, and we'll have time for Christmas singing practice. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
How did you experience God's presence this week?
What do you need from God this week?
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.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay