Dear parents and Incarnation family,
Our Atrium year begins this Sunday! I’ll detail the pertinent info and a few changes and adjustments further below, but first:
Fruit!
Megan, who leads our Good Shepherd Atrium, sent me this picture during the summer. These mature stalks of wheat grew from the seeds that our children planted from the jar of wheat seeds in atrium this past Lenten season. There’s a lot of seed/planting/growth imagery in the words of Jesus that we ponder in the atrium (and indeed in big church as well): about God’s Kingdom, about the Mystery of Life & Death, about the growth of the children themselves.
When Megan texted this photo, I found it so amazing and kind of shocking—the seeds actually worked! (I’m a bit pathetic, like a child so far removed from agriculture that she believes apples are made some way or other in the back room of the grocery store.) Even though I know, in theory, how wheat grows, I think my heart truly believed that wheat stalks like this come exclusively from the Hobby Lobby wreath making section.
A similar image came to mind when our small group discussed James 1, and how certain virtues (or vices) naturally lead to others. I remembered an idea we discussed in CGS training: fruit that’s real and living grows on the tree; it’s not attached like a Christmas ornament. When we’re thinking about our children’s lives of faith (and our own), we need to resist the temptation to staple an orange onto a branch and cry, “Look, fruit!”
Instead, we consider the general health of the tree (again: I’m the tree, you’re the tree, your kid is the tree) and what it needs to thrive. God is the one who made the seeds and the trees, and God’s power enables the growth. What’s our role as the orchard keepers, then? We’re providing the space, the needed nutrients, healthy soil (compost, worms!!?); maybe pulling weeds and providing protection from pests; and praying for rain. And all along we’ve got to practice that most elusive of virtues: patience.
Going back to the lady (me!) who knew but didn’t know how wheat seeds grow: we want our kids to know the love of God in their hearts and bones, not just on paper. We can’t force it, but we can tend to it. We connect children with the words of Scripture—attempting to do so in the ways that children in each developmental stage can receive them; we adults humbly share a listening posture toward God along with the children; we all live and enjoy the rhythms of the Church year and of the week together. This weekly rhythm culminates each Sunday as we share a common meal, the Eucharist.
So we water and watch things grow day by day, week by week, and remind one another that God brings the growth. And we ask him for faith, patience, and wisdom.
Knowing that we’re doing nothing perfectly in our particular local little orchard (is this metaphor dragging on or what? . . . ), here are some logistics to know as we make growing space for our children:
Mustard Seed Nursery:
Available at 10am in the courtyard (inside if inclement weather) for children under 3 years old; pick up at The Peace.
Good Shepherd Atrium:
Begins at 9:30am before church for 3-6 year olds in the foyer/narthex. Parents pick up at The Peace.
True Vine Atrium:
Children 7 and older gather at 9:30am before church by the windows at the far side of the sanctuary. When church begins, children join their families.
We’ll also continue to have the Nook at the back of the sanctuary with quiet, soft toys for little ones, and we’d love to reserve that space for families with babies and toddlers.
Child Safety
To comply with our Child Safety Policy and our lease agreement with Drew Elementary, when children are not “checked in” to atrium or nursery, they should be with parents. More specifics:
For parents with children in Good Shepherd Atrium: if your child needs you, a volunteer will come find you in the service, rather than letting children wander and find you on their own.
Particularly be aware of children using the restrooms, not roaming the halls.
Please fill out the Child Registration Form so we have everyone’s age, parent phone numbers, and other needed info.
Of course, there are plenty of aunties and uncles who love to hold babies; or if my son, for example, wants to sit with a buddy during church, that’s fine! In that case I should be sure that the other parent has an eye them both. This helps us follow our child safety policy—“No child shall be left unattended at a church event”—and it helps our children practice being respectful during church.
Grace and Courtesy
Given that one of my own children brought a bouncy ball to the communion table at last weekend’s retreat, I’m grateful that, on a spectrum of being comfortable to feeling scared/nervous, Incarnation children generally seem to feel comfortable at church, confident that it’s a place for them. Building on that sense of belonging, we now need to convey the idea that church is a place for everybody! We can help children notice what might be distracting when others are listening and praying during the service. A good rule of thumb is that big movement and big noises can be distracting for other people.
As we’re helping children consider the needs of other worshipers, please likewise respect the children’s prayer spaces! Beginning at 9:30, avoid chatting with other adults near either atrium. Feel free to talk quietly in the sanctuary, join pre-service prayer, or simply sit for a few moments for a cup of coffee and a deep breath before worship begins.
I'd love to hear your ideas about children and church, or wheat, or artificial vs. real orange trees. Keep praying for rain!
love—Josie
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