Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
We had a blast with our youth last night at our annual Christmas party! It has been such a gift to see our youth deepen their relationships and enjoy their time together. I have witnessed a deepening of friendships across our younger kids, too, and it continues to be a blessing to see our younger members shaping our community. Some of our kids and youth feel comfortable sharing their gratitudes in service. Others love helping behind the scenes with set up and slides. Some of them are part of our rotation of Pastor Leslie's worship team. We are dreaming up more ways for our kids, youth, and adults to connect and learn, and we pray that we would notice all the explicit and subtle ways that we are being mutually formed by one another. Thank you for your willingness to make a space where children are seen, heard, and valued.
Parents, I know many of you have felt the rush of this season and the extra busy schedules. I pray that you experience rest, joy, play, and whatever your family most needs in the next couple of weeks. May you feel the invitation to breathe deeply and to enjoy quiet moments when they come. Let us know how we can come alongside you in any other prayer requests. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
All-Church Sundays
Please note that December 29 and January 5 will be all-church worship services, so kids above nursery age will join us in the sanctuary. This is our yearly rhythm after Christmas, and we are glad to bring in the new year with our communal worship practices. We will have snacks for kids ready in the lobby on those Sundays, and we hope to see you all then!
Youth Retreat
Our winter retreat will take place January 31-February 2. Please register your youth here so we can get an accurate count for lodging and planning purposes. More details to come! Please let me know if you need help to cover the cost; we never want that to keep any youth from participating.
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 Christmas story as we move through the fourth week of Advent.
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. They will have a beautiful time together lighting the fourth advent candle and reflecting on Jesus' love. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
How are hope, peace, joy, and love dependent on one another?
How have you seen love change a situation in your life?
YOUTH
We are on for our regular youth gathering this Sunday! We'll have lunch and finish at 1:30 PM as usual.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay