Our PEACEMAKERS rotation reminds me of a beloved church figure, Francis of Assisi. Francis is credited with the blessing of the animals. He also reminded us how our feathered and four-legged friends joined in celebrating God's creation and Francis was credited with first adding animals to an outdoor crèche scene.
His prayer of peace starts with, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace..." It is my hope that our children have learned whether we are the flute or tuba, it is God who is credited with blowing the breath of life into us and each of us is called to harmonize in God's amazing symphony - where all are seen as beloved children of God. I'll print Francis of Assisi's prayer at the conclusion of this letter. I invite you to read it and think about your section in this symphony!
This Sunday is part of Columbus Day Weekend and therefore we are having a mixed age program for grades PK-3.
The following Sunday (Oct 20) will be the first week of our new rotation - DIG INTO THE BIBLE. This rotation will share with children how the stories contained in the Bible got there along with some information about how the Bible was put together and why it is such a central book to so many people of faith - including our own!
We thank Betsy Work, Jennifer Fredricks, Deb Thomas and Amanda Splendorio for offering to lead this rotation. I also want to lift up and thank the many home base leaders and helpers for this new church school year including: Ginny Friese, Sam Weeden, Ellen Edens, Emily Etter, Alec Weeden, Kristy Skoglund, Amanda Splendorio, Kevin George ad Aaron Garcia. These fine adults and teens along with Laurie Varley, Kate Ott, David Thomas, Heather Robinson and Patty O'Neil comprise our year-long faith leadership team.
We are truly blessed! Join me in expressing our congregation's gratitude when you see them.
And now for the prayer I promised.
Along with peace, I pray God's blessings for the rest of your week.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
God, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
See you Sunday...
Peace and Blessings,
Chris
If you haven't already submitted a new registration form for each child, please download the form below and bring it this Sunday.
Registration Form 2013-2014
