Today's blog post is written by church member Kelly Meyers. Kelly is married and has three girls ages 18, 14 and 3. Kelly also works in the church office as our Media and Communications expert.
Often, when we hear phrases like ‘rituals and traditions’ or ‘faith practices’ we imagine grand events that take a lot of time and effort. In our family, we have found that the simpler we make it, the better. All of us suffer from the ‘busies.’ When someone asks you how you are, how do you respond? “Good, but we’re all so busy.” So how do we add one more thing to our ever-growing ‘to-do’ lists? I have good news for you: we don’t have to!
Have you ever watched your child open a gift at Christmas that you were really excited to give them, and then they spent all of Christmas Day playing with the giant box it came in? When you think back to Christmases as a child, what do you remember? Is it a specific gift or is it time with family and friends? What about other memories of growing up? Do you remember and cherish what you did or who you did it with?
Research tells us that children are profoundly affected by things we do as a family that offer them feelings of consistency, safety, trust and respect. So how do we create that in the midst of our busy schedules? Here are two of the things our family does to create simple rituals, discuss/share our faith, and give our children those feelings of security.
Make family meals a priority.
Because we have a blended family, and now have 1 child in college, this sometimes means only once a week! But we make it a priority to eat together as a family as often as we can. Be sure to turn off the TV and sit at the table. This time together allows us time to cover so many rituals and traditions!
1. Prayer – a simple prayer of thanksgiving prior to a meal reminds us that we are thankful for the food and family we have been blessed with. This doesn’t need to be an elaborate, long soliloquy. We always say the “Come, Lord Jesus” prayer. And we always hold hands. This simple gesture often breaks down walls between those who are angry or frustrated with each other.
2. Highs and Lows – as often as we can, we go around the table to give our ‘highs and lows’ for the day. Even our 3 year old has something to offer. Sometimes these conversations can take up our entire meal time. What a marvelous way to ‘check in’ with each other, celebrate joys & successes, and support each other in difficulties!
3. Clean up together – this isn’t always possible and is a new one for us. But a family that works together knows how to play together. Work done together goes faster, is easier, and gives everyone a feeling of being a part of the family ‘team.’
Windshield time.
Sometimes I think I spend more time in my car than I do sleeping. Can you relate? And how often do you have a child (or children) with you? I challenge you to turn off the radio (and the phones!) and engage in a conversation. Avoid ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions. Not sure what to ask? Try asking specific questions about school, sports, etc. (i.e. “Tell me something good/bad that happened today.” “What class was your favorite today and why?” “What was the best part of practice today?” “What did you talk about in Confirmation today”). I have also kept all sorts of cards in my car throughout the years – even trivia cards (which the kids LOVE to play!). Anything to start conversation and remind your child that what is happening in their life is important to you.
I highly recommend getting a set of the Faith Talk cards from the Youth & Family Institute. Just keep them in the car. Ask your child to pick a question and you’re off and running. We have samples of these cards at St. Luke’s if you would like to preview them.
If some of these activities or ideas sound awkward, that is perfectly OK! Most of us did not grow up in an environment where we talked about our faith openly. We need to give ourselves time to figure out what works best for us and our families. Be patient with yourself and do not feel like you need to have all of the answers (or that the answers even have to be correct). Simply enjoy listening and learning together.
What do you think? (Don't forget to comment and give Kelly some internet love!)
1. What are some other ways to bring faith discussions into our everyday activities?
2. What are some of the ways we share our faith with our children non-verbally? Do those actions really speak louder than words?
3. Does anyone have some simple prayers (meals, bedtime, etc.) that work for your family?
God bless your family time and traditions!
Showing posts with label faith at home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith at home. Show all posts
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mainstream Media
Have you seen this piece that WCCO did this week? It is about teaching religion to children and whether parents should "force" their kids to attend church or let them decide on their own terms.
Their answer: neither.
Really it comes down to what we say all the time - parents should lead by example, pass on that which they think is important and give children the basis to make the decision for themselves when the time comes. That is all we can really do. Forcing church upon kids, particularly when parents aren't involved is counterproductive, so is never exposing your children to the community and traditions of worship, Christian education and church in general.
As a parent I don't always like all the pressure to give our kids the right balance of everything they need: academics, extracurricular activities, food groups, socialization, vaccinations whatever. The fact of the matter is that we are main source for our children to see how all of these things apply to life as a productive, happy, faithful adult. And it can be overwhelming to figure out how it works, but as this report points out it can sometimes be as simple as leading by example. Do you want your kids to go to church when they are adults? Then take them to church and go as a family. Do you want your children to follow along in the service ? Show them how, open to the hymns, sing along, and model the behavior.
These things aren't hard, they just take the time and dedication to do them. And we as a church need to accept that children will occasionally be loud and disruptive and know that it is a blessing that they are there to be able to make noise!
Their answer: neither.
Really it comes down to what we say all the time - parents should lead by example, pass on that which they think is important and give children the basis to make the decision for themselves when the time comes. That is all we can really do. Forcing church upon kids, particularly when parents aren't involved is counterproductive, so is never exposing your children to the community and traditions of worship, Christian education and church in general.
As a parent I don't always like all the pressure to give our kids the right balance of everything they need: academics, extracurricular activities, food groups, socialization, vaccinations whatever. The fact of the matter is that we are main source for our children to see how all of these things apply to life as a productive, happy, faithful adult. And it can be overwhelming to figure out how it works, but as this report points out it can sometimes be as simple as leading by example. Do you want your kids to go to church when they are adults? Then take them to church and go as a family. Do you want your children to follow along in the service ? Show them how, open to the hymns, sing along, and model the behavior.
These things aren't hard, they just take the time and dedication to do them. And we as a church need to accept that children will occasionally be loud and disruptive and know that it is a blessing that they are there to be able to make noise!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Family Service Project: Operation Christmas Child
St. Luke's is partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help bring joy to children around the world again this year. Every year we ask members of our congregation to put together a shoe box of goodies to give to a child abroad who would not be given any gifts.
This mission is a wonderful opportunity to do a service project together as a family. The items in the boxes do not need to be expensive but they can teach your children the joy of giving. It is our hope that every family at St. Luke's would put together a shoe box to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the joy of the holiday season around the world.
So how do you help? Take a shoe box or plastic tub, fill it with fun items, toys, clothes, candy, toiletries, etc. and bring it to church our Thanksgiving Service on Nov 25th at 7pm. They will be blessed and sent around the world with love from our community.
For more information on how to pack a box, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website here.
Finally, OCC has collaborated with Veggie Tales this year and here is a brief video to watch as a family to learn more about Operation Christmas Child:
This mission is a wonderful opportunity to do a service project together as a family. The items in the boxes do not need to be expensive but they can teach your children the joy of giving. It is our hope that every family at St. Luke's would put together a shoe box to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the joy of the holiday season around the world.
So how do you help? Take a shoe box or plastic tub, fill it with fun items, toys, clothes, candy, toiletries, etc. and bring it to church our Thanksgiving Service on Nov 25th at 7pm. They will be blessed and sent around the world with love from our community.
For more information on how to pack a box, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website here.
Finally, OCC has collaborated with Veggie Tales this year and here is a brief video to watch as a family to learn more about Operation Christmas Child:
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
CrossWoods Rotation 2 - The Ten Commandments
Our Sunday School (CrossWoods) moved onto its second rotation this week. The kids of CrossWoods will now be studying the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are both helpful and problematic for our lives. They are helpful because a world without rules is one that is filled with sin and the things that the 10 Commandments tell us to do (or not do) are important things.
But they are problematic because in learning them we can be tempted to dwell on the Law that God gives us. As Lutherans we believe that we have been freed from the law due to the sacrifice of God's son, Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean we can do whatever we want, instead it means that God's grace is sufficient to fill us when we have failed at the Law, and all of us fail at the Law.
It is important to teach both Law and Gospel as we examine our faith. We cannot by our own works earn our own salvation, whether we follow the Commandments and other laws of God exactly or not. Instead we need the Gospel to ensure our salvation. But the joy of receiving this salvation also asks us to live as God would have us live, thus bringing us back to the Commandments.
And so we teach the Commandments so that we may know what God asks of us, but they aren't always easy to understand, even in their simplicity. No where have I found a better explanation of them however, than in Martin Luther's small catechism which I've reproduced below for your own assistance.
Take time this month as your children learn the 10 Commandments in Sunday School to ask "What does this mean?" for you individually and as a family. For it is in the application of faith that we live it even more deeply.
I am the Lord your God.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear, love, and trust God above anything else.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously, or use it to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call on him in prayer, praise and thanksgiving,
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his Word and the preaching of it, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and others in authority, but respect, obey, love, and serve them.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not kill.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not hurt our neighbor in any way, but help him in all his physical needs.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that in matters of sex our words and conduct are pure and honorable, and husband and wife love and respect each other.
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not steal.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or property, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of making a living.
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, or lie about our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him and explain his actions in the kindest way.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not desire to get our neighbor’s possessions by scheming or by pretending to have a right to them, but always help him keep what is his.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his cattle, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not tempt or coax away from our neighbor his wife or his workers, but encourage them to remain loyal.
But they are problematic because in learning them we can be tempted to dwell on the Law that God gives us. As Lutherans we believe that we have been freed from the law due to the sacrifice of God's son, Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean we can do whatever we want, instead it means that God's grace is sufficient to fill us when we have failed at the Law, and all of us fail at the Law.
It is important to teach both Law and Gospel as we examine our faith. We cannot by our own works earn our own salvation, whether we follow the Commandments and other laws of God exactly or not. Instead we need the Gospel to ensure our salvation. But the joy of receiving this salvation also asks us to live as God would have us live, thus bringing us back to the Commandments.
And so we teach the Commandments so that we may know what God asks of us, but they aren't always easy to understand, even in their simplicity. No where have I found a better explanation of them however, than in Martin Luther's small catechism which I've reproduced below for your own assistance.
Take time this month as your children learn the 10 Commandments in Sunday School to ask "What does this mean?" for you individually and as a family. For it is in the application of faith that we live it even more deeply.
Excerpts from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism:
The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20: 1-17
I am the Lord your God.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear, love, and trust God above anything else.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously, or use it to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call on him in prayer, praise and thanksgiving,
THE THIRD COMMANDMENT
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his Word and the preaching of it, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.
THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and others in authority, but respect, obey, love, and serve them.
THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not kill.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not hurt our neighbor in any way, but help him in all his physical needs.
THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that in matters of sex our words and conduct are pure and honorable, and husband and wife love and respect each other.
THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not steal.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or property, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his property and means of making a living.
THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, or lie about our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him and explain his actions in the kindest way.
THE NINTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not desire to get our neighbor’s possessions by scheming or by pretending to have a right to them, but always help him keep what is his.
THE TENTH COMMANDMENT
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his cattle, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
What does this mean for us?
We are to fear and love God so that we do not tempt or coax away from our neighbor his wife or his workers, but encourage them to remain loyal.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Milestone Ministry: Third Grade Bibles
Every child in Children’s Ministry has a yearly opportunity to come with their parents to church and have a milestone class especially for them. These Milestone classes are meant to feed both the parent and child and establish new ways to talk about faith at home as well.*
On Saturday morning, our third graders and their parents joined us here at church for our annual 3rd grade Bible class. It is always a challenge to schedule these classes but they are always the highlight of my week when I have the opportunity to teach them. Why? It is simple, I love to give parents and children an hour or two of focused time to talk about God. It is an opportunity to educate both kids and parents alike and open the door for further discussion.
This Sunday the parents also participated in a blessing for them and their third graders and gave their own children the Bible. It is so important to us here at St. Luke's that this be a gift from the church but also from the parents. We take seriously the idea that in baptism parents are called to "place into their child's hands the Holy Scriptures."
I hope that these classes are enjoyable for both parents and kids. We try to make them interactive and enjoyable as well as teaching real knowledge of God and God's Word.
In the interest of encouraging all families to open the Bible I'm including one of our take home activities here: Bible Bars. These yummy treats are to help you child practice looking things up in the Bible all while making a yummy treat. Try them out and let me know how the turned out! (I've place the key in the comments for you in case there are Bible translations variations).
MIX TOGETHER:
½ Cup Leviticus 3:9
1 Cup Jeremiah 6:20
1 Isaiah 10:14
COMBINE AND ADD THE FOLLOWING:
2 Cups Exodus 29:2
1 Teaspoon Exodus 13:7
1 Teaspoon 2 Chronicles 9:9
1 Teaspoon 1 Kings 10:10
1 Teaspoon Luke 23:56
½ Teaspoon Exodus 13:3
½ Teaspoon Leviticus 2:13
1 Cup Numbers 17:8
ADD the 1 Samuel 30:12 you cooked earlier and the ¾ Cup liquid you saved.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS in Jeremiah 7:18
BAKE 20 minutes in greased jelly roll pan at 350 Degrees.
FROST, if desired
* If you are curious about your child's milestone class please check the church calendar for details about the upcoming class for your family.
On Saturday morning, our third graders and their parents joined us here at church for our annual 3rd grade Bible class. It is always a challenge to schedule these classes but they are always the highlight of my week when I have the opportunity to teach them. Why? It is simple, I love to give parents and children an hour or two of focused time to talk about God. It is an opportunity to educate both kids and parents alike and open the door for further discussion.
This Sunday the parents also participated in a blessing for them and their third graders and gave their own children the Bible. It is so important to us here at St. Luke's that this be a gift from the church but also from the parents. We take seriously the idea that in baptism parents are called to "place into their child's hands the Holy Scriptures."
I hope that these classes are enjoyable for both parents and kids. We try to make them interactive and enjoyable as well as teaching real knowledge of God and God's Word.
In the interest of encouraging all families to open the Bible I'm including one of our take home activities here: Bible Bars. These yummy treats are to help you child practice looking things up in the Bible all while making a yummy treat. Try them out and let me know how the turned out! (I've place the key in the comments for you in case there are Bible translations variations).
Bible Bars Recipe
COOK 1 Cup 1 Samuel 30:12 in Amos 4:8. Drain. Save ¾ Cup of the liquid to use later.MIX TOGETHER:
½ Cup Leviticus 3:9
1 Cup Jeremiah 6:20
1 Isaiah 10:14
COMBINE AND ADD THE FOLLOWING:
2 Cups Exodus 29:2
1 Teaspoon Exodus 13:7
1 Teaspoon 2 Chronicles 9:9
1 Teaspoon 1 Kings 10:10
1 Teaspoon Luke 23:56
½ Teaspoon Exodus 13:3
½ Teaspoon Leviticus 2:13
1 Cup Numbers 17:8
ADD the 1 Samuel 30:12 you cooked earlier and the ¾ Cup liquid you saved.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS in Jeremiah 7:18
BAKE 20 minutes in greased jelly roll pan at 350 Degrees.
FROST, if desired
* If you are curious about your child's milestone class please check the church calendar for details about the upcoming class for your family.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
First Children's Minstry Blog Contest
Edited to Add: The first contest on Kid Crossings has been extended to Monday October 19.
To kickoff our Children's Ministry Blog properly we are having a contest. In order to have this blog be a useful ministry tool it is necessary for people to read and comment so consider this contest your ice breaker!
It is simple to enter: Simply leave a comment with your name, email and the answer to this question:
Who was influential in your own faith development and why?
The contest will be open until 9pm Sunday Oct 11 and a winner will be announced on Monday Oct 12.
And what do you win?
A set of Faith Talk with children cards from the Youth and Family Institute. These cards are a great way to spark faith discussions with your children. Use them on car trips or meals or family events. They are a great way to open the door to a larger faith life with your children.
So welcome to the Children's Ministry Blog. Thank you for entering and Thank those who helped shape your own faith.
* Please note: You do not have to be a member of St. Luke's to win. Anyone reading this blog is encouraged to enter.
To kickoff our Children's Ministry Blog properly we are having a contest. In order to have this blog be a useful ministry tool it is necessary for people to read and comment so consider this contest your ice breaker!
It is simple to enter: Simply leave a comment with your name, email and the answer to this question:
Who was influential in your own faith development and why?
The contest will be open until 9pm Sunday Oct 11 and a winner will be announced on Monday Oct 12.
And what do you win?
So welcome to the Children's Ministry Blog. Thank you for entering and Thank those who helped shape your own faith.
* Please note: You do not have to be a member of St. Luke's to win. Anyone reading this blog is encouraged to enter.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Call for community!
Martin Luther wrote in The Estate of Marriage in 1522:
Most certainly father and mother are apostles, bishops, and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel. In short, there is no greater or nobler authority on earth than that of parents over their children, for this authority is both spiritual and temporal.
Martin Luther recognized that it was parents who held the most vital role in passing on faith to children. We have a unique opportunity in the world today. Thanks to a wide array of technology we have resources and connections all over the world to help shape our children, but the key educator remains parents.
I don't know about you but this strikes some fear in me. I am a Christian Educator and yet the thought that I am my son's first hope for a living faith is daunting. I know the Bible stories and teach them on a regular basis and still there is a big difference between a Sunday School class and instilling a life of faith in my own child.
Still with all of my own reading on the matter I realize that I cannot give into the fear of not succeeding. The fear is paralyzing, it speaks to your own doubts of God and the world. Anyone with a living faith will know that there are days when it is shaken to the point where it hardly seems to be there. Other days are full of the bright colors of certainty. Most days fall somewhere in the middle however.
The benefit of the world today is that we don't have to rest in our doubts and fears alone. We have a community of faith at St. Luke's and all over the world. We can share our joys and successes and our fears and doubts. It is my hope that the blog can truly become a community to share our ideas and plans with one another. But it cannot be a community of one. Comments and conversation give us the ability to engage one another and partner church and home to the benefit of our kids.
My son turned 7 months old Saturday. Already I see the community of people who love him surrounding him and see all of the wonderful gifts he is given because of that. I want nothing less for each of your children. We can surround each other and our children.
Martin Luther was right. It is us who aquaints our children with the Gospel. But we don't have to do it alone. We have help.
Question of the day:
What is one parenting doubt or success you've experienced last week? What is one piece of advice you'd give to a parent based on your own experiences last week?
Most certainly father and mother are apostles, bishops, and priests to their children, for it is they who make them acquainted with the gospel. In short, there is no greater or nobler authority on earth than that of parents over their children, for this authority is both spiritual and temporal.
Martin Luther recognized that it was parents who held the most vital role in passing on faith to children. We have a unique opportunity in the world today. Thanks to a wide array of technology we have resources and connections all over the world to help shape our children, but the key educator remains parents.
I don't know about you but this strikes some fear in me. I am a Christian Educator and yet the thought that I am my son's first hope for a living faith is daunting. I know the Bible stories and teach them on a regular basis and still there is a big difference between a Sunday School class and instilling a life of faith in my own child.
Still with all of my own reading on the matter I realize that I cannot give into the fear of not succeeding. The fear is paralyzing, it speaks to your own doubts of God and the world. Anyone with a living faith will know that there are days when it is shaken to the point where it hardly seems to be there. Other days are full of the bright colors of certainty. Most days fall somewhere in the middle however.
The benefit of the world today is that we don't have to rest in our doubts and fears alone. We have a community of faith at St. Luke's and all over the world. We can share our joys and successes and our fears and doubts. It is my hope that the blog can truly become a community to share our ideas and plans with one another. But it cannot be a community of one. Comments and conversation give us the ability to engage one another and partner church and home to the benefit of our kids.
My son turned 7 months old Saturday. Already I see the community of people who love him surrounding him and see all of the wonderful gifts he is given because of that. I want nothing less for each of your children. We can surround each other and our children.
Martin Luther was right. It is us who aquaints our children with the Gospel. But we don't have to do it alone. We have help.
Question of the day:
What is one parenting doubt or success you've experienced last week? What is one piece of advice you'd give to a parent based on your own experiences last week?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Expert Effect
In our world we routinely differ to experts in all areas of our lives. If you are sick you go to the doctor. If you have legal trouble, you see a lawyer. We seek out those who will help us accomplish our goals: interior designer, plumber, dentist, realtor, etc. And there are advantages to this. Wellness is easier to achieve with the assistance of a personal trainer, dietitian, doctor, chiropractor and whoever else is on your team!
Unfortunately this turn towards experts has come to the church as well. Too often we rely on a Pastor or church professional to tell us what to think about God. We look to them to pray for us, or to lead us in worship, or to teach us about the Bible. This is especially the case when it comes to the Christian education of children. Is it fulfilling your baptismal promises to your children simply by bringing them to Sunday School?
The book of Deuteronomy says this:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
These key verses do not say "Bring your children to Sunday School to talk about [God's commandments] at church." Instead it is parents who are called to share faith with your children in your home. This does not mean we should abandon Sunday School or church as being unhelpful, rather we should look at it for what it is: an opportunity to partner with those called to pass on faith and work in tandem together bringing Christ to children.
I am no *expert* in the sense that a doctor is. I have an education in Christian education but my time is limited with your children. It takes the willingness of parents to talk about God at home to cement what they learn at church. Otherwise church and faith will be nothing more than a Sunday morning diversion and not a real vibrant living faith.
I want a vibrant faith for my child. I hope that you want it for yours as well. Please join me in this partnership.
Unfortunately this turn towards experts has come to the church as well. Too often we rely on a Pastor or church professional to tell us what to think about God. We look to them to pray for us, or to lead us in worship, or to teach us about the Bible. This is especially the case when it comes to the Christian education of children. Is it fulfilling your baptismal promises to your children simply by bringing them to Sunday School?
The book of Deuteronomy says this:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
These key verses do not say "Bring your children to Sunday School to talk about [God's commandments] at church." Instead it is parents who are called to share faith with your children in your home. This does not mean we should abandon Sunday School or church as being unhelpful, rather we should look at it for what it is: an opportunity to partner with those called to pass on faith and work in tandem together bringing Christ to children.
I am no *expert* in the sense that a doctor is. I have an education in Christian education but my time is limited with your children. It takes the willingness of parents to talk about God at home to cement what they learn at church. Otherwise church and faith will be nothing more than a Sunday morning diversion and not a real vibrant living faith.
I want a vibrant faith for my child. I hope that you want it for yours as well. Please join me in this partnership.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Family Question: What are you thankful for today?
Sometimes passing on faith is simply requires stopping in the midst of your daily lives and asking an important question to remind us of the gifts and grace that we are given by God. Ask a question and answer it and pray about it together as a family.
This can be a simple addition to saying grace at mealtimes. Choose one question and everyone answer it and the be sure to include those answers in your prayer before dinner. Two minutes adds a connection for your family and for your relationships with the Lord.
Today I was reminded to ask: What are you thankful for today? When I thought about this question my mindset for the day shifted. It was no longer about my to-do lists or laundry piles, but instead about the gifts I've been given.
What am I thankful for today?
* For cooler weather.
* For a cold that is starting to improve.
* For our Tuesday staff lunches together.
* For my son and his smile that lights up the room.
* For the time to tackle my cleaning list tonight.
* For the volunteers who serve St. Luke's.
This is just a handful of what makes me thankful today. What about you:
What makes you thankful today?
Feel free to answer here for yourself in the comments and then take it to your family. You may be surprised at what you hear.
This can be a simple addition to saying grace at mealtimes. Choose one question and everyone answer it and the be sure to include those answers in your prayer before dinner. Two minutes adds a connection for your family and for your relationships with the Lord.
Today I was reminded to ask: What are you thankful for today? When I thought about this question my mindset for the day shifted. It was no longer about my to-do lists or laundry piles, but instead about the gifts I've been given.
What am I thankful for today?
* For cooler weather.
* For a cold that is starting to improve.
* For our Tuesday staff lunches together.
* For my son and his smile that lights up the room.
* For the time to tackle my cleaning list tonight.
* For the volunteers who serve St. Luke's.
This is just a handful of what makes me thankful today. What about you:
What makes you thankful today?
Feel free to answer here for yourself in the comments and then take it to your family. You may be surprised at what you hear.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Rally Day
Let's get this blog going! Yesterday was Rally Day here at St. Luke's and once again I was invigorated by the energy that comes when children and families are in the church. This year we made some big moves in Children's Ministry and with some creative space management we have moved all our classrooms down into the education wing! What a joy it was to see all of the children together in the CrossWoods hallway from the smallest 3 yr olds to the "cool" 5th graders.
It was great to touch base with the kids and hear what happened to them over the summer. I think most of them grew a foot at least! Their trailguides were pleased to see them again or for the first time. We'll be featuring our Trailguides here on the blog as we get going but they were very excited to see all of the kids here.
Rally Day was a wonderful time. The bouncers, balloons and facepainting was a huge hit. The photo booth led to some crazy antics (I have copies of the photos to prove it!). Still, my favorite part of the morning was when all the Sunday School children came into worship to be blessed for the new year.
This may seem like a minor event. There was little fanfare. No bright colors or "entertainment" but in that moment the congregation looks into the eyes of the kids here at St. Luke's and tells them that they are an important and vital part of the church. And a kid can never hear that too much!
Beginnings can seem overwhelming. School starts, and sports, and activities, and Sunday School and the kids get swept up in the newness of it all. The blessing on Sunday was a way to ground them in the importance of asking God to be with them in the new beginnings. A new school year has infinite possiblities, what better way to begin than to acknowledge the giver of those possiblities and ask God to be with us during the year.
We did this at church but it is easily done at home as well. Light a candle and take time as a famly to pray for the new year. Give your kids a chance to talk about their hopes and fears and give them up to God. Pray. The words aren't important. You can never get a prayer wrong. And if you are afraid of saying it out loud ask your child too...you might hear a beautiful message yourself.
I love the opportunity of the new year and the excitement it brings. Thanks for being a part of it on Sunday. Did you feel the energy?
What is something you do as a family to mark the new school year? How do you ask God into this time in the lives of your kids?
(Did you miss Rally Day? Don't worry, you can still come to Sunday School. We always take registrations from new members and old.)
It was great to touch base with the kids and hear what happened to them over the summer. I think most of them grew a foot at least! Their trailguides were pleased to see them again or for the first time. We'll be featuring our Trailguides here on the blog as we get going but they were very excited to see all of the kids here.
Rally Day was a wonderful time. The bouncers, balloons and facepainting was a huge hit. The photo booth led to some crazy antics (I have copies of the photos to prove it!). Still, my favorite part of the morning was when all the Sunday School children came into worship to be blessed for the new year.
This may seem like a minor event. There was little fanfare. No bright colors or "entertainment" but in that moment the congregation looks into the eyes of the kids here at St. Luke's and tells them that they are an important and vital part of the church. And a kid can never hear that too much!
Beginnings can seem overwhelming. School starts, and sports, and activities, and Sunday School and the kids get swept up in the newness of it all. The blessing on Sunday was a way to ground them in the importance of asking God to be with them in the new beginnings. A new school year has infinite possiblities, what better way to begin than to acknowledge the giver of those possiblities and ask God to be with us during the year.
We did this at church but it is easily done at home as well. Light a candle and take time as a famly to pray for the new year. Give your kids a chance to talk about their hopes and fears and give them up to God. Pray. The words aren't important. You can never get a prayer wrong. And if you are afraid of saying it out loud ask your child too...you might hear a beautiful message yourself.
I love the opportunity of the new year and the excitement it brings. Thanks for being a part of it on Sunday. Did you feel the energy?
What is something you do as a family to mark the new school year? How do you ask God into this time in the lives of your kids?
(Did you miss Rally Day? Don't worry, you can still come to Sunday School. We always take registrations from new members and old.)
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