OCTOBER 2010

This month begins with one of those landmark birthdays for me. Yes, there will most likely be black balloons with “Over the Hill” involved. I could write to you some blah blah blah cliché stuff about getting older, but don’t worry it won’t be quite that bad.

One thing the accumulation of years does is provide many varied opportunities to experience life. Some better than others, all worthwhile in one way or another, at the very least giving us stories to share. How boring would life be if we didn’t have stories to tell when we get together with family or friends? Or how do we get to know someone if we don’t share stories of our lives?

I have come to believe with my whole heart that creating opportunities for our children and youth to experience God needs to be the foundation of those ministries. I want them to know at a much younger age than I how wonderful it is to have Jesus’ presence in their lives on a full time basis, not just on Sunday morning. Through hearing the stories of people who came before them and the loving adults who care for them, we strive to make it real, to start giving them their own faith stories to share.

This program year has included a few additions to build on our solid Sunday morning program. We’ve had a couple exciting events which involved and incorporated our younger parishioners in the service. We’ve also done some hands on group activities to supplement lessons learned in the classroom. Preston Boyd is adding music on a regular basis, and we’re super excited about a newly set up Art Studio with Vikki White and Erica Weiffenbach. There are new Godly Play stories, several new teachers, a bigger classroom for the 3 & 4 year olds with their Beulah Land stories, as well as three newly decorated rooms upstairs for grades 4-12.

I am extremely blessed to have many amazing volunteers, all with their own stories and love to share with our children and youth. I’m pretty sure that like me, many stories come from being able to spend time and experience God’s greatest gifts with them.

Watch and listen for news of what’s coming up, not only for the children and youth, but for all ages. Check out the pages of the Chi Rho, peruse the announcement bulletin on Sunday, join the Facebook page, get your email address to Fr Joel for his updates and listen during announcement time during the service. Don’t miss out!

My hope is that everyone, no matter what age, who comes through the doors of Christ Church will find the opportunity to experience God’s love in a real and personal way, to come to know the saving grace of Jesus and what that means for them.

I ask you to please find the group or activity that appeals to you or your children and open yourself up to the possibilities. Imagine the stories you’ll have to tell.