CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES
This weekend we join with people of faith and places of worship for the national observance of Children’s Sabbath. This event is sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund. I urge you to check out their website and watch this brief film to learn more about their mission and work.
Children’s Sabbath is a perfect opportunity for us to give thanks for the children that God has entrusted to our care here at All Saints Parish. I am particularly grateful for the sweet, sweet place they have in my own life. On Sunday you will see the gifts they bring to our worship life. Schola will be singing, and all of the readings will be done by kids. After worship, social hour is downstairs in the Undercroft so everyone can explore our Church School space and learn about our ministries with kids.
What a precious gift children are! I was reminded anew about this recently when I took care of our 3-year-old grandson for 6 days while his parents went on vacation together. During that week I played a lot, laughed a lot, explored a lot, wondered a lot, and was more active than I’d been in a while! What fun it was to experience the world with him.
I know that my grandson is growing up with all sorts of privilege, just as my children did. This doesn’t mean that life is always easy. We’ve had challenging things to deal with in my family. But things have never felt hopeless in our household. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many families, especially those who are struggling under the weight of poverty. These are the ones for whom the Children’s Defense Fund particularly advocates. So we will be praying this Sunday not just for our children, but for all children, asking God to use us to ensure the health and well being of all children, especially those in need.
I hope you will be part of it. I’ll see you on Sunday!
Becky Taylor, Director of Children’s, Youth & Family Ministries