July 14 Reflection: Welcome the Children
Dear beloved at Holy Covenant,
During his ministry on earth, Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the likes of children. Jesus didn’t mind when kids swarmed around him – even when adults said, “Oh, leave him alone now” or “He’s not talking to you; he’s not here for you!” Little children even taught others how to praise, shouting “Hosanna” when the grown-ups were appalled because Jesus was challenging the status quo in the temple. Jesus also said, “Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me.” We want to welcome children in ways that families need and want, and in ways that are particular to who we are as a community of faith.
I’m inviting families into a conversation about what’s next at HC, to meet families I don’t yet know, and to find out what both parents and kids want, need, and hope for in a community of faith. Both this Sunday, July 18th, and August 1st, I’ll be meeting families at 10:30, after the early service. We’ll step across the way to Einstein’s for coffee or tea. There will be extended childcare at church but children are also welcome to come. Either way, please bring your ideas. Email me at rebeccaanderson@holycovenantumc.org to let me know which Sunday you’d like to join the conversation, and whether you expect to use childcare so we can plan accordingly.
OR…if you cannot make either of these group times, I’d love to take you out for coffee (or meet you at a neighborhood park).
Some other news about children and families at HC this summer:
* On Sunday, August 15th, after the first service, children and families are going to Jonquil Park (at Sheffield and Lincoln) to play on the awesome new equipment, including a sprinkler. We’ll have stickers and invitations to HC to give the folks we meet while we play. We want to let the neighborhood know that we have childcare and invite them to join this great worshiping community.
* We’ve hired the fabulous Kristen McCray, through SitBaby, to provide childcare for the first service – and coffee hour – in the newly rehabbed downstairs nursery. Spread the word and please say hello to Kristen.
* Children are always welcome in worship and, in fact, we’re setting up the children’s corner again (although they don’t have to sit there!) and offering materials for children’s use during worship.
* Regular Sunday School is on break for the summer. So is TFYC!
* But look for children, as they join us, to be more fully involved participants in the liturgy. And start brainstorming about the fall.
Finally, for all of us, a question: what do you do in church that a young person could help with? If you’re on your way to do something, look around: is there someone you can take with you and show the ropes? (Actually, this could be a 10-year-old or a 35-year-old! Not all of know how things work or where things get put away around here.) Spiritual formation, for children and adults, doesn’t only happen in services or lessons but in relationship with other Christians. Young people can easily:
*help greet and pass out bulletins
*collect the offering
*read Scripture
*help serve or clean up from hospitality
Let’s live into our mission statement: let’s be a community of friends that loves all people and welcomes the little children in the name of the One who loves and welcomes each of us.
In peace,
Rebecca Anderson
Minister of Spiritual Formation
