Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
Our kids and youth have been on my heart extra this week. With news of another school shooting alongside all the regular challenges of being a young person starting a new school year, our kids are carrying some heavy things. Some of our kids will be exploring creation on Sunday, and an excerpt from theologian Howard Thurman reminded me that kids, including our youngest ones, need space to process all that they are feeling. For Thurman, nature helped to make that space. He describes his own childhood practice of leaning up against a tree and finding solace there: "I could reach down in the quiet places of my spirit, take out my bruises and my joys, unfold them, and talk about them. I could talk aloud to the oak tree and know that I was understood. It, too, was a part of my reality, like the woods, the night, and the pounding surf, my earliest companions, giving me space." My prayer is that God will give us wisdom to create space where our children can take out their bruises and joys, knowing they are loved, understood, and held by their family, their church, and a God of abounding love. May you feel held by your Creator, too, knowing you are not alone in raising your very precious young people. Thanks for sharing them with our church family; we are honored to make space for them.
Supporting Our Kids and Youth
If your child has opportunities for us to come out and support them at a performance, competition, or talent showcase of any kind, let us know! We would love to build a calendar of their various activities so we can try to attend and show our support when possible. Our youth especially would love to be in the know about other youth, so please feel free to send us schedules or dates for special events where they would appreciate some FBCP support.
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 story of when Moses received the Ten Commandments.
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 in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week our younger kids will explore the Ten Commandments, and our older kids will focus on creation. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What did Jesus say is the greatest commandment?
What are ways your family can care for creation in small, everyday ways?
YOUTH
We are on for our regular youth gathering after worship. We'll have lunch and wrap up at 1:30 pm. Parents can pick up their kids in the church park off Union Street.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay