Greetings! 
sandy
Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families 

 

Dear Friends,

I drafted the following note before the tragedy in Boston. As I read it now, I'm tempted to change the text to all caps and bold and end every sentence with an exclamation point. Days like Monday only add emphasis to our need to gather, to appreciate, to honor and thank each other every time we have an opportunity. May our resolve to kindness be strengthened and shared in honor of all that was lost on Monday. -Sandy

All of us who are parents know how challenging the May schedule can be. Every program that your children participate in seems to add an extra event or two in May. You find yourself running from event to event with children, casseroles, tutus, sheet music , instruments, gifts for teachers and coaches in hand during every moment that you had free before May struck.

Montview is no exception to the extra-events phenomenon. We have two very important programs in May. On May 5, we have a celebration after the 10:30 service. We share lunch and our children and youth are recognized for all the ways they have participated during the year. We recognize choir members, acolytes, ushers, readers, and Pulpit Players performers. But what might be even more important about this event is that by attending you and your children can show the appreciation you feel for the volunteers and leaders of these groups. Your being there says "Thank you!" in a precious and powerful way, a way beyond any words that are spoken. Your being there models for the children simple acts of kindness made with intention and effort in our too busy world and most especially in May.

Our second extra is the Children-Led Service on May 12 in Room 305 during the Sunday School hour. At this service which follows the usual order of worship, our children take the adult roles of musicians, preachers, liturgists, and ushers. We have a Word to the Grown-ups and adult acolytes to complete the role reversal! At this service, the children speak and act in joy and confidence. They are living reminders of Jesus' words about children leading us. 

Everyone is invited! Please put the celebration on May 5 and the service on May 12 on your calendars and save these two hours. Your presence will be a special gift to our Montview faith community!

Please contact Haley Figueroa at [email protected] for anything about the celebration and myself at [email protected] for anything about the service.

Peace and joy,
Sandy

The Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins

Lead Pastor of Spiritual Life
 
Hi Everyone,

This Sunday we will reflect on the familiar words of Psalm 23. With the bombing at the Boston Marathon in mind, you might spend some time this week with these words:
 
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." (Psalm 23:4)
 
The kind of senseless cruelty witnessed in Boston can shake our faith to the core. What kind of world is this? What kind of person does this? Anger, fear and confusion are just some of the emotions we feel. The psalmist, writing thousands of years ago, knew those same emotions. What horrors did he witness, I wonder? What evil was at play in his world when he wrote those brave words? I must admit I don't always have such faith. I do sometimes fear the evil. I worry for my kids and for the world they are inheriting. But hasn't this always been the case? And hasn't it always been the determination of people to return such evil with compassion and kindness that has made the difference? 
 
So maybe today is a good day to find a few quiet moments to pray for those whose lives have been ripped apart in Boston. Maybe it is a good day to hug those you love a little tighter and tell them what they mean to you. And maybe it's a good day to recommit yourself to take part in some ministry that brings love and care into this world. We may not be able to avoid the valley of the shadow of death. But as people of faith, let's respond with more than fear.

Grace and goodness,
Ian

Join Our Mailing List

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter