As we come to the end of the 2023-24 Religious Exploration year, I’ve had time for a few moments of reflection between planning for the summer and for next year. When I think about the good work we do here, it always makes me think of some of the words that guide me: “Faith development is all we do, and the Congregation is the curriculum”.
These words are paraphrased from the brilliant Connie Goodbread and whenever I wonder if we are making a difference, I remember them. I think about all the ways that it shows up, like the time this year that one of our younger kiddos had the choice between painting a rock or spreading mulch for a planned garden on our campus, and he chose mulch even though he is passionate about art. He chose mulch because no one else had chosen it yet and we didn’t have enough rocks for everyone to paint one. His parents were a little surprised when I mentioned it to them at pick up time, but I wasn’t. We have talked a lot this year about what it means for us to go all in on this congregation, and for this kiddo, it was the obvious choice. If you are wondering about the impact this congregation has in the lives of our children and youth, I encourage you to watch the recordings of the 2 credo services offered by our Coming of Age youth earlier this month. Get some tissues ready, you will need them! You can find them here.
There are so many ways to go all in, but the most important way that we can do it for our children and youth is to show up. Show up on Sunday mornings and collaborate with us in RE. Show up and buy some soup or attend The Big Event for the Coming of Age kids. Show up to the YRUU service, Coming of Age service, and the Faith Development service and hear what our kids have to say and receive the beautiful gifts that they share with us. Show up to help out in child care, or to serve as a chaperone for youth cons and trips. Show up to help new families get oriented on Sunday mornings. Show up with food and the willingness to do some dishes. Show up for a couple of Sundays in the summer to share your favorite banned children’s book, or to just share an extra set of hands. Our children and youth need you in their lives!
Please definitely show up this Sunday at 11:15 am, because not only is it the Faith Development service, but it will also be a Sundae Sunday! Join us after Worship in Sandburg Hall for some ice cream and fellowship!
Want to get involved? Click here!
Kim Collins, Lifespan Religious Educator