Your curate for children and youth, Alex, wanted to let everyone know about what we are up to in children and youth ministries during this time, and how you can participate too!
For the last week and a half, there has been a “chalk mural” at the church for families to come, one at a time, to participate in. This started as an idea from our rector Pamela, and it has grown into a wonderful display of feelings and prayers. They have been responding to some specific prompts: “COVID feelings,” “Thank You/Gratitude,” and “Where is God?” This has led to some heart felt prayers as well as statements of faith & hope:
To truly appreciate this though, you’ll have to stop by and see the art (keeping your distance if others are there, of course). In fact, our Diocese has issued the #PentecostChalkChallenge. Bishop Megan has asked churches to write or draw images of God’s presence and love in this world in chalk out in front of their churches. So, whatever your age, you are invited to come to the church and add your own Pentecost Chalk image or words!
There are signs at the main entrance making clear where the mural is, and you’ll also find a box of chalk under the front overhang. You are also welcome to bring a canned food item as a donation to one of the local food pantries we support. Someone comes by every day to check the box for donations.
We must ask everyone to adhere to strict social distancing. If someone else is there when you arrive, you might want to wait in the lych gate, the labyrinth, the columbarium, or out on the lawn. You could also return at another time.
Finally, this week, Pamela and Alex will be having some “office hours” to give out “Pentecost in a Bag” to families with small children. In each bag you’ll find materials for faith formation at home, like coloring pages, materials to make your own pinwheel, a candle, and links for websites where you can learn how to say “hello” in other languages.
Alex will be there on Thursday morning 9 am – 1:30 pm and Friday morning from 9 am – 11:30 am. Pamela will be there on Thursday evening from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. When you arrive, please text whichever clergy person is present to receive the bag.
And if those times do not work for your family, please e-mail Alex and he will be happy to send you the instructions and list of materials (they are very simple, and you probably already have the materials in your home).
