Caregiver Resources

Raechel's Weekly Updates

This Week at PCB:
Our First Sunday Breakfast Club is this week.  Join us in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 for a light meal and a great time with other parents, caregivers, and children.  This monthly gathering is truly becoming one of my favorite activities at PCB.  I hope you will join us.  
 
Don’t forget to sign up to walk/run the 5K on May 30th!  Please share this link with your friends/family.  This event serves our neighbors at our local food pantries, Habitat for Humanity and more.  You can even support our youth at the event by purchasing some baked goods.  They are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for our trip to Rapid City, SD this June.  https://www.pcbarrington.org/run-the-hills/
 
May 1st is May Day and a great day to show a neighbor some love.  Leave a basket of flowers on their stoop, bake some cookies, have the kids write/draw words of encouragement, kindness and love on the sidewalks, or simply pick up the phone or knock on the door to say hello.  Learn all about May Day here:https://www.almanac.com/content/what-may-day      If you have your kids dance around a Maypole I want pictures!!
 
Faith at Home: 
Is there a prayer practice you started this year that worked for your family?  Did you keep it going or put it on the backburner once Lent or Advent was over?  Now is the time to bring it back.  Practices don’t have to be fancy, time consuming, or require lots of items to make them happen.  Prayer practices are as simple as a bedtime prayer, highs/lows at dinner (or in the car on the way to practice), or lighting a candle and naming things your family has on their hearts/minds.   Just like baseball and piano, prayer takes practice.   Here is your reminder to begin again or keep going.  
 
What I am loving right now: 
All the colors when you look outside your window.  Oh, and the anticipation of weather consistently warm enough for evening boat rides.  Slow evening boat rides are one of my most favorite summer activities.  What is yours?
 
 
All my best,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington

Weekly Updates Archive

This Week at PCB:
Our First Sunday Breakfast Club is this week.  Join us in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 for a light meal and a great time with other parents, caregivers, and children.  This monthly gathering is truly becoming one of my favorite activities at PCB.  I hope you will join us.  
 
Don’t forget to sign up to walk/run the 5K on May 30th!  Please share this link with your friends/family.  This event serves our neighbors at our local food pantries, Habitat for Humanity and more.  You can even support our youth at the event by purchasing some baked goods.  They are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for our trip to Rapid City, SD this June.  https://www.pcbarrington.org/run-the-hills/
 
May 1st is May Day and a great day to show a neighbor some love.  Leave a basket of flowers on their stoop, bake some cookies, have the kids write/draw words of encouragement, kindness and love on the sidewalks, or simply pick up the phone or knock on the door to say hello.  Learn all about May Day here:https://www.almanac.com/content/what-may-day      If you have your kids dance around a Maypole I want pictures!!
 
Faith at Home: 
Is there a prayer practice you started this year that worked for your family?  Did you keep it going or put it on the backburner once Lent or Advent was over?  Now is the time to bring it back.  Practices don’t have to be fancy, time consuming, or require lots of items to make them happen.  Prayer practices are as simple as a bedtime prayer, highs/lows at dinner (or in the car on the way to practice), or lighting a candle and naming things your family has on their hearts/minds.   Just like baseball and piano, prayer takes practice.   Here is your reminder to begin again or keep going.  
 
What I am loving right now: 
All the colors when you look outside your window.  Oh, and the anticipation of weather consistently warm enough for evening boat rides.  Slow evening boat rides are one of my most favorite summer activities.  What is yours?
 
 
All my best,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Happy Earth Day!  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the trees are budding and the flowers are blooming.  I am so grateful for creation today and I am super glad I get to care for it.  How will you celebrate?

This week in Sunday School we are going to have Breakfast on the Beach with Jesus.  This is a continuation of the stories of Eastertide and specifically Peter’s reconciliation.  Breakfast will be more of a snack and the carpet in the library will be the beach, but our imaginations will help us feel the sand, hear the waves, and picture Jesus forgiving Peter.

This week is also a celebration of 20 years of ministry for our music director.  In order for the kids to help her celebrate in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship, I would like to take the kids out of worship  following the sermon.  I will remind you all during Time with Young Disciples.  All kids 5 years- 6th grade should join us for faith formation.

Idea worth sharing: Show and Tell Dinner.  Prepare your children’s favorite meal (or hand them a cookbook and have them choose the meal) and then spend dinner and the time following the meal to have the kids show and tell their talents.  Maybe its a new magic trick, math skill, piano piece, or whatever.    Enjoy

Things I am loving right now: the windows open!!!!!  Oh and the book, Project Hail Mary.   Can’t wait to see the movie too.

Reminders: MOTH Concert is this Sunday at 3PM and childcare is available from 2:30-4:30pm.  Family Breakfast Club is May 3rd!  We will gather at 9:15 am in FH for a light meal and great conversation.

Enjoy your week,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Do I dare say Spring Has Sprung?!  I am cautiously optimistic that the extreme cold is behind us.
 
This week the Easter discussion continues.  Yes, last week was just the start of Easter.  The reality is Eastertide extends until Pentecost.  This week in worship we will be having some of our children/youth/parents leading a Lessons and Carols.   The scriptures of Easter, some great hymns, and more.  
 
Sunday School picks up again this week with a focus on Doubting Thomas.  The children will worship with their families and then go downstairs to SS during the doxology.    Our last SS class for the year is May 17th.  We are working on Summer and will make sure you are the first to know what we have planned.  If you have ideas, thoughts, etc. please let me know so I can bring them to our CE team.  Your input is valuable to us.
 
This came across my desk this week and so I am passing it along to you.  Traci Smith shared and if you have been reading my notes to you, you know I think she is a great resource.  Let me know if you attend any of it.  I would love to chat.

Parenting for Justice Summit — I’m excited to be speaking at the PARENTING FOR JUSTICE FORUM with a lot of people I admire, including Bishop Yvette Flunder and Dr. Almeda Wright. The forum is a free 5-day virtual gathering for parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders who want to raise children who feel safe, affirmed, and free to be fully themselves. If you’re interested in lifetime paid access to this summit, you can get your ticket HERE!

 
April is a great month to care for our Earth.  Grab a garbage bag and let’s clean up!  Enjoy some sunshine and great creation conversations while you love on the Earth together.  
 
Have a great weekend,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Friends,
 
We  are entering into 4 days of wondering, worshiping, waiting and celebrating.   This can be a lot to ponder with our children so I am hoping I can bring a little help.   Traci Smith, in her book Faithful Families tackles Good Friday in a way that talks about what the day signifies, but also addresses the appropriate language to use when talking with children.  If you have the book the discussion begins on page xvi.  If you don’t have the book, I am attaching copies of those pages here. (ignore the not so great scan job)  It is worth the read. 
 
Worship Reminders
 
6PM Maundy Thursday (tomorrow) is our worship with soup dinner.  I encourage you to step away from your regularly scheduled plans and come.  Maundy Thursday helps us understand Sunday better.  Although the language we use with our children is important, I do believe when we walk through the whole week, feel all the feels and experience the events in different ways, we celebrate the resurrection fully.  This service is when we hear Jesus’ greatest commandment to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES.  I would love to break bread with you and hope to see you there.
 
7PM Good Friday is our Brass Roots musical meditation.  I do believe they are working on live streaming as well so you can enjoy it from home. 
 
7PM Holy Saturday- Campfire with S’mores.  This low key time of community, music and a brief pondering, allow us to sit with the events of the week.  It allows us to wait together for Easter morning.  If it is raining, we will meet in FH.  We do hope to meet in the woods though so wear some good shoes and a warm coat. Oh, and don’t forget a camp chair.
 
Easter
9AM and 11 AM Worship 
9:30 AM- Family Breakfast Club will begin.  Come after the 9:30am worship or before the Easter Egg Hunt and enjoy a tasty meal while hanging with other PCB families.  I think this is fast becoming my favorite mornings each month.  So fun to hang with you all!
10:15 AM- The bunny arrives and the big Easter Egg Hunt will begin.  Gather in Fellowship Hall and then we will head outside. Yes, if it is not raining we will try and hunt outside.  Please dress appropriately.  Rain location is the basement
**new this year…..the eggs will be empty.  The kids will get to trade their eggs for treasures.  A store will be set up and they will get to choose what they want.  We hope this is a fun new way for them to enjoy this event AND we hope you enjoy not putting all the eggs back together :)**
 
And for the caregivers…
May you set aside some time over the next few days to sit in the stillness and just wonder.  It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of spring and forget what this week is all about.   All these worship times can feel overwhelming; I get it.  
 
My daughter was recently reflecting on the Holy Weeks of her childhood and laughed because everyday she said she would think about what was going on and say, “and we have to go to Church again”.   Yes, it was a lot, yes, they were grumpy sometimes (ice cream after Good Friday worship was a tradition they did enjoy) and yes, it was part of our lives and now I pray, part of their lives as adult children.  
 
 Go ahead, get out your phone and block out some time now.  Cancel your Thursday night plans and come to dinner at PCB.  I promise, it is worth it.
 
 
I look forward to seeing you all soon.  
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
"Faithful Families" excerpt
This Sunday is Palm Sunday!  Yes, you have been wandering and wondering for 5 weeks and now we are entering Holy Week with a grand parade.  Shouts of Hosanna and waving palm branches to welcome the King riding on a donkey.
 
Here is what is happening this week:
 
1. If you are back from spring break please be at church by 9:55 am to line up for the parade.  Children will lead the choir into worship and then stand up front waving palm branches before leading the Call to Worship.  This will be a call both readers and non readers can say.   Bulletin on the Worship page of our website for your review.
 
2.  Fish Banks will be blessed this week so make sure to bring your banks to worship.  Won’t be in worship this week?  Bring them on Easter Sunday and place them on the offering plate.
 
3. We also have a baptism this Sunday so if you would be willing to sit up front it would be great.  Wiggles and giggles are fine in the front…no worries.  Besides, having the kids front and center helps them engage in worship better.    We are so excited for Magnus and his family.
 
4. Intergenerational Faith Formation is in its final week.   Consider coming and completing our service projects and add your Post it Note prayer to the board.  
 
Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday at 6pm is our dinner and worship in Fellowship Hall.  I highly encourage you and your family to attend.  We will hear the story and weather permitting, we will end our evening in the garden around a campfire.  
 
Speaking of campfires….don’t forget to sign up for a prayer hour during our Fire Watch on April 2-April 3rd and then come to our Holy Saturday Campfire on Saturday, April 4th at 7PM.  S’mores will be served, songs will be sung, and a lively discussion of wonder will be had.  Don’t forget your chairs!
 
Easter Sunday:
Worship at 9am or 11am.   Breakfast service will begin at 9:30am and the Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 12 years is at 10:15am.    What a morning it will be celebrating the resurrection.  Nursery care available at 11am service.
 
Attached is your Palm Sunday/Holy Week Devotional.  May it provide your family a way to enter this week and to explore the story together.
 
Prayer I am loving right now:
“So today we pray- Give us the strength to live like the crowds that day in Jerusalem.  Where they held palm branches, may we hold a hand out to our neighbor. May we hold open the door for each other.  May we hold onto hope.  Where they cried ‘Hosanna,’ may we cry out for justice.   May we cry out with joy.   May we cry out to you.  Where they laid down their coats, may we lay down our resources-our energy, our creativity, and our time-so that we can build your promised day here.  We do not want to simply talk about our faith.  WE want to act on it, so may this prayer be the first step. (…)”  Rev. Sarah Speed
 
Peace to you all,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Palm Sunday Devotional
Spring is finally here and I am all for it.  If you are traveling this week, may the roads be clear, the TSA line short, the beaches warm, the museum lines short, and your time with family and friends full of laughter and lots of fun.  Enjoy!
 
Attached is your weekly lenten family devotional.  Traveling Question: What is something you are looking forward to in the future?
 
This Week at PCB:
We are putting together Meal in a Bag Kits this week and it is not too late to provide the items needed:  14.5 oz can of black beans, 14. 5 oz can of corn, 15 oz. can of fire roasted diced tomatoes,  small can of green chilis, taco seasoning packet and 32 oz of vegetable broth.
 
We are also finishing two blankets for our friends in hospice.
 
Next Week at PCB:
Palm Sunday….We would love the kids to help lead the processional and then stay up front to help with the Call to Worship.    We will also dedicate our Fish Banks.  I hope your fish are well fed!   Oh, and we have a baptism so plan on sitting up front so the kids can be part of the action.  Trust me, up front is where it’s at.
 
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday dinner and worship at 6PM is wonderful for the whole family.  The entire worship will be done in Fellowship Hall.  
Holy Saturday Campfire at 7PM for the whole family.  The youth will gather at 5:30 for dinner and fun and to build the fire for us.  
 
Easter
Worship at 9 or 11am.
Easter Breakfast is available from 9:30-10:30am.  Come when you are able and enjoy.
Easter Egg Hunt is at 10:15am for ages 1-12 years.  We will gather in Fellowship Hall and the bunny will lead us outside.  If it is raining (or snowin) we will be inside.  Dress appropriately
 
Something I am loving this week:
These muffins from Ambitious Kitchen.  Yes, they are green.  No, they don’t taste green.  Soooooo good
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Lent 5 Devotional
Hold onto your hats….it’s a windy start to the weekend.
 
This week at PCB offers many opportunities for you and your children to engage with God and one another.  Here is what is happening:
  • Children will learn to sing a Psalm during our Time with Young Disciples and then help lead the congregation following the message.
  • Intergenerational Faith Formation has us making God’s eye mandalas, caring cards for our caregivers, and blankets for those in hospice.  I encourage you to spend a few minutes after worship growing your faith.   Oh, and there will be cake to celebrate our Stephen Ministers and to celebrate the life of Richard Shoppert.
 
Service Opportunities:
  • Help us provide drinks and dessert for the teachers at Countryside School on March 18th and March 19th.  Sign up HERE
  • Meal in a Bag items needed.  On March 22nd and 29th we will be preparing Meal in a Bags for our friends at FISH Food Pantry.  On the menu is Southwestern Black Bean Soup.  Consider adding the following to your grocery list this week: 16 oz. can black beans, 15 oz. can corn, 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 4 oz. can diced green chiles, 1 taco seasoning packet and 32 oz. vegetable broth.  Items may be placed in the bin outside Fellowship Hall.
  • Save the Date: April 18th at 5PM PCB will be gathering together at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville.  Anyone 5 years and older can serve in this fun packing event.  Details and how to sign up will land in your inbox soon.  
  • Fish Banks: Are you feeding your fish?  I have been having fun using the calendar and putting coins in the bank.  
Lent:
Attached is your weekly devotional.  I will also print copies and give them to the children this week.  These pages along with the intergenerational prayer stations are meant to help your family create steady rhythms you can lean into and practice.   
 
An article I loved this week: 
Christie Thomas, author of Little Shoots Deep Roots wrote the following this week regarding Holy Week and I thought it may prove helpful as we enter this time.   **Please note: I am not advocating for the purchase of her work.  Use these ideas as a guide and if you do purchase something, let me know your thoughts.
 
If you’re a tired Christian parent trying to share Jesus with your kids but not wanting to do all the things, can I give you (and me) permission this year?

You don’t need elaborate, you need intentional. (Those are different!).  I encourage you to proactively choose one steady rhythm during Holy Week*, just one thread that helps your family walk the story slowly and helps it become personal.

Here are some ideas!

  • If your family listens well: read a section of Jesus’ last week (the last few chapters of each gospel) every day of Holy Week.
  • If your kids like crafts: do a simple craft each day (but don’t do crafts so elaborate that it makes you spend $100 at the store and take you hours to prep!).
  • If you love a storybook Bible: light a candle each night and read through a page of the Jesus Storybook Bible.
  • If your kids like puzzles and secret codes: invite your kids into one escape-room style puzzle each day, a puzzle that gets them intrigued by the Easter story.
  • If your kids are really young and squirmy: play through one aspect of the Easter story each day.

Just pick ONE thread that helps your family walk the story slowly. (Not all 5, you Type A people, just one…). 

Finally, I finished Theo of Golden (one of the things I was loving last week) and oh my, it was fabulous.  Self published author with a book that Barnes and Noble can’t keep in stock.  Grab a copy (or borrow mine) today.

 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Daylight Savings begins this Sunday…Don’t forget to SPRING forward!
 
This week is the start of our Lenten Intergenerational Faith Formation.  This is a time for all ages (young and young at heart) to come together to learn together.  What can you do this week?  You can make blankets for neighbors in hospice, send a “just because”card to someone, and make a prayer bead keychain.  Do one or all, but please come.
 
The scripture this week is about the woman at the well.  Gosh, I have a lot to say about this woman, but if you like videos, check this one out.  Honestly, they are for kids but my family loves them too.  
 
Attached is the week 3 at home devotional for your family.
 
Don’t forget:
  • March Madness to support the youth mission trip is underway.  $50 gets you a team (which will be randomly chosen on March 16th) and if your team wins the tournament, you will split the pot with the youth mission group.   Sign up in Fellowship Hall or contact Jodie Harmsen or myself. 
  •  
  • We need volunteers to purchase drinks and make dessert for the teachers at Countryside School (neighbors at the bottom of the hill) on March 18th and 19th.  Consider this fun way to give back to our neighbors…sign up HERE
  •  
  • Kids sing at church on March 15th…hope to see you there.
 
What I am loving this week:
 
My free trial to Apple TV…catching up on Shrinking and The Last Thing He Told Me
 
Celebrating all the birthdays in March …our family has 5!
 
My trip to the bookstore to buy Theo of Golden.  A friend read it twice in one month so I am looking to read what it’s all about.  I believe it started as a self published book before becoming so popular.  Have you read it?
 
 
Have a wonderful weekend,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
The second week of Lent begins this Sunday.  Attached is your family devotional for the week.  Please use it in a way that fits the life of your family.
 
Children:
Our monthly Family Breakfast Club is THIS SUNDAY beginning at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall.  Please join us for this time of fellowship and simple meal. 
 
Youth:
Youth Group will gather again on March 15th at 5PM for Sunday Supper and Fort Night.  This is for all MS and HS youth and their friends.  It is good to be green is our dinner theme and we will be celebrating Mr. Roger’s birthday by building a fort community.  We will provide boxes and encourage you to bring blankets and other items to complete your fort.  We will get into teams and look forward to seeing the creativity of our youth.
 
All:
It is not too late to grab your Fish Banks for One Great Hour of Sharing.  Banks can be found in the Worship Resource Center.
 
The Youth Mission Trip Attendees and Mission Team will be selling spots for our March Madness Bracket Fundraiser.   Up for grabs are 68 spots on the Woman’s bracket and 68 on the Men’s Bracket.  Cost for each spot is $50 and the winner of each bracket will split the pot with us.   This fundraiser helps pay for our chaperones.  Please consider this donation and grab a spot in the tournament.  Sales begin March 1st and team selection is March 16th.  
 
Don’t Forget:
NO SS this week….it is Communion Sunday and Family Breakfast
Intergenerational Faith Formation begins March 8th….  15 minutes after worship to grow our faith together.
Our children will sing in worship on March 15th
Palm Sunday is March 29th
 
Things I am loving right now:
Coffee!  Especially the Peruvian coffee from Pastor John’s Blessed Bean.  Not Today Satan is another good one 🙂  Love his story and the coffee.
These!   I mean…frozen chocolate with fruit and nuts….I am in!!!   
and…more daylight, the promise of warmer temperatures, and fresh sourdough bread!
 
See you Sunday!
 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Today is the day to eat pancakes!  Enjoy the time with your family as you prepare your hearts for Lent.
 
I am attaching an Ash Wednesday devotional.   This is a supplement to the one you received in your Pancake Party bag.  I will be sending one to you weekly that you may find helpful.  You do not need to use the entire document and you don’t need to do it all at once.  Whatever fits your family is what is best.
 
Go ahead and put extra syrup and maybe some whipped cream on your pancakes today.  Have fun!
 
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Link to Ash Wednesday Devotional
Valentine’s Day is upon us and you may be up to your eyeballs in creating the very best Valentine’s for your child’s classroom, so I will keep this short…
 
Name Tags for All!!   That’s right, we have ordered name tags for all of our children.  You will find them on the lower half of the board (unless they are older and taller and then they are with their family).  Don’t see your name?  It is coming, but I don’t mind a quick email letting me know you didn’t find it.
 
Don’t forget:
Sunday School begins following the Time with Young Disciples again this week.  Pick up in library immediately following worship
 
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party bags will be given out during worship.  There are some bonus items in the bags for your use during Lent.  Have fun on the 17th eating pancakes for dinner!!!!
 
Ash Wednesday is February 18th.  We will be offering an ashes to go service for you from 7am-9am. Stop by on your way to school or work to begin your lenten season with a reminder that from dust we were created and to dust we will return.
 
Just for YOU
 
I am loving this poem from Walt Whitman….may it help you center and remind you to see the miracles all around you.
 
Love your neighbor as yourself!  Yes, you also need to love yourself today.  A little me time anyone?!
 
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Friends,
 
We are already in February and days away from the Super Bowl, days away from the start of the Olympics, and days away from the start of Lent.  Oh, and days away from temperatures that are a wee bit warmer than they have been.  Yippee!
 
Sunday School Update Christian Education met this past Sunday and made the decision to have the children attend Sunday School following the Time with Young Disciples this week and next (February 15th).  We firmly believe that worship is important for our children but wanted a little extra time the next two weeks to dig deeper into just how much God loves each of us because we are ALL God’s children.  If you prefer to have your child(ren) stay in worship, that is great too.  We look forward to them joining us during our regularly scheduled SS on February 22nd.
 
Shrove Tuesday is February 17th which means your family Pancake Party in a bag will be given out on February 15th.  If you know you won’t be in worship on the 15th, please grab your bag from the Worship Resource Center this Sunday.  Bags will have a sticky note with your name on it so please grab appropriately.
 
Super Bowl fun!  Consider celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with a Family Souper Bowl!   Take the kids grocery shopping and have them choose the food that you take together to your local food pantry.  This easy and fun activity makes a huge impact in your community and is definitely needed.
 
Looking for other ways to make an impact in the world?  Check out the bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall.  The confirmation students and mentors have been exploring justice and created posters to share their passion for justice with you.
 
 
Parents…this is for you!
 
Things I am loving right now:
 
The Carpenter’s Son by John Gray.  It is an easy thought provoking read.  If you are a fan of The Shack I think you will like this book too.
 
d365 devotional.  This app proves to be something I can do!  I admit, I love short devotionals but I struggle creating the habit unless it is delivered to my inbox or resides on my phone.  I love to read it while enjoying my first cup of coffee.  I hope you find it worthwhile too!
 
Cooking!  I love to cook and bake (Family Breakfast Club or Sunday Supper anyone?).  This cookbook is a favorite of mine and my family loves all the delicious meals we are enjoying together.  Highly Recommended!  
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Breakfast Club this Sunday at 9:15am!
 
We will break bread together at 9:15am and then again in worship! A light meal, great conversation and a chance for your kids to connect in a fun way at church awaits you this Sunday. Join together in Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:15am before heading to worship at 10am.
 
Reminders:
  1. First Sunday so there is no Sunday School. Nursery care is available following the Time with Young Disciples.
  2. We will be helping lead worship by singing with the choir during the offering. Kirsten will teach during Time with Young Disciples
  3. February 7th- MOTH Concert….dinner and concert…sign up outside Fellowship Hall
 
On another note: One of the faith formation leaders I follow, Christie Thomas, sent an email this week about how many of the parents she talks to aren’t uninterested in faith. They’re overwhelmed by it. They care deeply, but they’re just…tired. This really resonated with me and maybe it does you too.
 
Consider this:

Faith formation is not something we control. We don’t manufacture belief, force growth, or single handedly shape our kids’ hearts. God is the one who calls our children. He is already at work in their lives, long before we notice it and even when we feel unsure.

Our role is quieter than we sometimes think.

  • We point our kids toward God in small, ordinary ways. (Breakfast Club?)
  • We show up for them, paying attention to them.
  • We build a few sustainable faith habits so our family has a culture of trusting the Bible and turning to God. (Dinner Table Conversations, Bedtime prayers)
  • We pray.
  • We talk when opportunities arise. (car rides were always great times for my family. captive audience!)
  • And we trust that God is at work in the middle of it all.
Take a few minutes this week to just breathe and listen to the song, Planting Trees by Andrew Peterson. It is based on a poem by Wendall Berry with the same name. It is a good one…
 
Have a great rest of your week and we will see you on Sunday….
 
Raechel