Children and Youth

Thank You



 

² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 ⁵ Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. ⁶ They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. ⁷ It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. ⁸ We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

-from a letter to John, the evangelist, to Gaius

 

     When I read these words, I am reminded of the dear souls who have dedicated hours and hours of their lives to teaching Trinity’s children.   Regardless of whether they know the children or not, they are committed to passing on their faith and love of Christ. Their hospitality rivals that of the best restaurant where from the minute you entered the door until the time you leave, you feel honored, nourished and special.  I can only imagine that the children of Trinity feel much the same.   I am so blessed to work with folks who learn a new story/craft every week, juggle their personal lives around to make space for the lessons and events, and manage the classroom so gracefully and with such purpose. When you see these folks, thank them for their work.

     Thank you, wonderful teachers, for all that you do, visible and invisible, to pass along the light of Christ to our young people.  Many blessings to you all for a summer full of renewal and refreshment!

Mother Hillary Raining Dawn Winterburn Janice Squires Siobhan Ardizzone Kathleen Knaack Ken Robertson Lynn Tax Mike Tax Monica Albertson Christine Martochhio

Mark Freeh Steve Filko Andrew McIntosh Ken Raining Paige Mattke Sally McIntosh Fr. Cliff Carr Deacon Liz Miller Karen Ernst

 

In Gratitude,

 

Ellyn Siftar

Director of Youth Ministries

 

Learning to Trust

 

    

      When I listen to children in the Godly Play room tell me about their week, I have a difficult time not wanting to stop the world and just continue to listen.  There never seems to be enough time to just sit back and talk about where we have been this week. 

     During a conversation one Sunday not long ago, my aunt was talking about how she didn't think it was appropriate that there be any talking or winking or smiling between people during the service of the Eucharist, how it was a distraction from the sacrament.  While I agree that the sanctuary is holy and should be respected and honored as a sacred place, I also know that this may be the only time during the week to see my wonderful friends and neighbors.  Our frenetic pace, the distance between our homes, our other commitments all conspire against us and keep us apart every other day but Sunday.  And how I love to be fed the body and blood of Christ and as I am coming back to my seat, see the look of recognition on the baby of a special friend who reaches out to shake my hand.  So, when the kids in my classroom want to talk about birthday parties, family vacations, pets, the death of a grandparent, I remind myself that this is one of the most valuable lessons I can teach-how to listen to one another.  I slow down.  I try not to think about the thousands of things I have to do before the day ends.  I am fully present for their musings, wondering and emotions.  This is how they learn to trust on another and me:  to speak honestly and know they are heard. 
     For myself, I have acknowledge that one morning a week is not enough time to spend with my dear friends at Trinity and I have had the priviledge of starting a community garden in my yard so that we can enjoy each other's company, let the kids run wild and till the earth.  Love, compost and company:  It keeps me connected.  And I learn how to trust the earth, the sun, then rain and my friends to help me create an oasis in the middle of the city!

Scattered Like Dandelion Seed in the Wind

     I must admit to being a little distracted for the past two weeks:  fresh air, warm and golden sunshine, and the beckoning garden have kept me away from catching you all up here.  The dandelions seem to have exploded in a day's time and I was about to admit defeat until I discovered that they are the favorite food of Guinea pigs.  To my delight, I can't pick it fast enough for our little guy.  So now I'm off to water the trees fellow parishioner "Farmer" Tax planted for me:two apples and a dogwood and check in on my mason bees.  I'm much happier when I can tend to something that's actually in my garden plan!

     Well, we've been sowing the seeds of last fall's harvest in the classrooms at Trinity.  I really amazed at how the 2 and 3 year-olds have learned the story of the resurrection.  The Godly Play rooms are full of new stories and good friends.  For the Juniors, this class is the beginning of their journey to owning their faith.  If you're down near the CAYA room, stop in and admire the thoughtful (and thought-provoking) images the older teens have created this year. 

     It's hard to believe that there are only three more classes before the end of the Sunday school year.  But, it's not the end of the fun! Before summer is here, we have several events to look forward to together.  First is this Sunday's Children's service.  Second, the Parish Picnic on May 22nd.  And, after the school year ends but before the "official" first day of summer we celebrate the RED day of Pentecost on June 12th.  If you have a child in one of the Godly Play classrooms, you can be sure they will not want to miss this day with it's fire and spirit!