Children & Baptism

     The season of Lent brings with it an atmosphere of sacrifice, refinement, and preparation. As we try to realize that depth of love that led to Christ’s crucifixion, we may draw near to the disciplines of study & meditation. As we seek to refine ourselves and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, perhaps we aspire to spend more time in fasting and silence. During the weeks of Lent, children will be invited to spend time in preparation as well. Through a series of focused lessons and discussions, children who are interested will have the opportunity to ready themselves for Baptism. Children will explore the importance of Scripture & the Ten Commandments, will be guided through the Lord’s Prayer, and will learn more about daily prayer. This preparation class is called “Catechism.” Catechesis is simply “an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life” (from Catechism of the Catholic Church).

     If your child has expressed interest in Baptism, I encourage you to talk frankly and honestly with them and pray fervently for the Lord’s guidance about whether or not to join the Catechism class. The Apostle Peter wrote, “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).   Please let Julia know if you have a child that may be interested in joining our Catechism class, beginning on March 11. 

Story of St. Valentine (Feb. 12th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (green) 

Story in Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we took some time today to tell the real story of the man named Valentino, who lived and died in ancient Rome. Valentino was a Doctor and a Priest, but he had to pray and worship in secret because it was illegal at the time to be a Christian. As a physician, he cared for all his patients and prayed for their healing. He befriended a little girl and her father, who was the local jailer. The girl had been blind from birth and Valentino did what he could to alleviate her discomfort, though he had little hope that she would be healed and ever have sight. When he was later arrested and placed in jail for his beliefs, he passed a secret note to the little girl’s father. It said, “From your Valentine” and rolled up inside was a crocus flower. Valentino had fond memories of gathering crocuses and medicinal herbs with the girl, so this symbolic gesture demonstrated his care for her. Although Valentino was later taken away for be killed, the jailer gave the note to his daughter. Miraculously, when she opened this first “Valentine,” she was able to see the flower and the words written by Valentino. She was healed! What an incredible story of love and friendship. Even though the true meaning of this special day is often lost in the hub bub of red hearts, candy, and romantic sentiments, I encourage you to talk with your child about how we can show care and thoughtfulness to others, just like Saint Valentine did. He showed compassion and integrity as Jesus has modeled for us.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder what parts of Valentine’s story you like the best? Which part is the most important?

I wonder how it felt for the little girl’s father to see what happened?

I wonder what the little girl and her father will do now?

I wonder what other people in Rome will think when they see that the little girl has been healed?

I wonder if we could leave out any part of the story and still have all the story that we need?

I wonder what the story of Valentine can teach us about loving others?

I wonder how we can show our friends and family and we love them?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for the example of Valentine. Help us to show love and care for our neighbors just as he did. We pray for healing for those who are sick or injured. We know that you have the power to make all people well. We love you and trust that we are in your care. Amen.”

A little meal and a little conversation....

      Over the past three years, I have had the incredible pleasure to join many of Trinity’s elementary age children for lunch at school during the week. As I sit and chat with them in their daily environment, I am always amazed by how much I can learn about them in such a short, 30-minute timeframe. Frequently, their classmates are equally excited to have a special visitor to share with. Our conversations commonly begin with a long interview by the children at the table to assess who I am. “Are you her mother? Her auntie? Her babysitter?” Many times, the child I am visiting will simply explain, “She’s my friend.” What a blessing it is to hear those words!!

     It is so important to me to truly know each of the children that are a part of our community here at trinityKids. My desire is to know them authentically- what interests them, what worries them, and what brings them happiness and joy. On Sunday mornings, there are any number of children that divide the attention of myself and the volunteers. It is our hope to provide each child with uninterrupted consideration at some point each morning, but it isn’t always possible. My time with them at school allows for some one-on-one conversation and the opportunity to peak into their world outside of the church walls.

     One of the most magnificent aspects of this one-on-one time is the bonding and trust-building that takes place. The child feels “known” and special. They are given space to share and be the center of attention. Also, I am able to ask intentional leading questions that help them to process things going on in their life. For example, I often ask, “So, do you like your new teacher?” This simple question may yield a simple “yes” or “no,” but sometimes it yields a long discussion about the classroom environment and discipline, how students treat one another, and what they are learning about. With younger children, I might ask, “What’s your favorite thing to do at recess?” I once enjoyed a 10-minute conversation with a Kindergartener about the merits of playtime and why recess should be a protected part of every school day. “Don’t you think running around makes it easier to learn later?” they asked. It was a perfect illustration of that child’s capacity for problem solving, analysis, and justice. I am so glad that I had the chance to see it!

     If you are reading this article, chances are, you are a parent with an elementary-age child.

Perhaps you’re wondering how to arrange a lunch date for your child. That part is easy! Please speak with me on a Sunday morning or email me with your child’s school, lunchtime, and their teacher’s name. Also, please let me know if your child has a favorite fruit of veggie that I can “coincidentally” have in my own lunch bag to share. I look forward to spending time with them soon! 

How to Help a Child Who is Upset

     An article recently posted on the Authentic Parenting website outlines various strategies for helping a young child who is upset or angry. It provides a wonderful explanation of those things that can be detrimental in the situation or can exacerbate the initial frustration & anger- and those that can truly help. Some appropriate responses are intuitive, but many of the negative responses are easy to fall into as well. 

A few suggestions for how to help are to 

(1) Get down on to their level, 

(2) Look them in the eyes, 

(3) Hug them, 

(4) Remain present, 

(5) Ask them what they would like/ allow them to explain, 

(6) Sit with them, and 

(7) Speak calmly.  

We utilize these same strategies with children who may be upset her in trinityKids classrooms. I feel that these responses serve to show love as well as control of the situation. Please take a moment to read over some of the suggestions. It will provide you with some insight about how we help children here at Trinity and perhaps give you some ideas for home as well. 

The full article is available at: www.authenticparenting.info/2011/12/10-things-not-to-do-to-upset-child-and.html. 

Jesus is Baptized (January 22nd & February 5th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (green) 

Story in Scripture: Mark 1: 9-11

** We are doing this lesson twice because it is such an important part of our Lent preparation. Even though Lent and Easter are many weeks away, the lesson today begins to lay the foundation for Catechism and Baptisms. Please talk frankly with your children about their desire to be baptized. I encourage you to let the child initiate the discussion as much as possible, praying with them to allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way.** 

This incredible story provides some insight into the powerful way that Jesus entered in to his ministry. Along the banks of the Jordan River, Jesus’ cousin John is causing quite a stir and many are waiting eagerly for his proclamations to come true. He is already baptizing and teaching about how people must change their ways and get ready for Jesus. We paraphrase his prophecy in this way: “John said, ‘Get ready! God is sending someone special. The special Son of God is coming!’” When Jesus approaches John to be baptized, we see a beautiful example of humility and servant-hood. Most importantly, when Jesus is baptized, John’s propecy’s are solidified by God’s acknowledgement of Jesus as his Son. What a fantastic illustration of God’s love a pleasure in us- even before Christ’s first miracle, before he walked on water, or fed 5,000.... God claimed him as his own and demonstrated his pleasure. We talked as a group about how God loves us- no matter what- he loves us from the very beginning!

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how the people felt when John told them to change the way they live and get ready for the special Son on God?

I wonder if it was hard for the to change the way they lived?

I wonder how they felt when they went through the waters and went under the water to be baptized?

I wonder how they felt when they came out of the water?

I wonder is it was hard to wait for the special Son of God?

I wonder if they felt ready to be close to the special Son of God?

I wonder how you get ready to be close to the special Son of God?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for loving us from the very beginning. You sent your son Jesus to be with us and to show us how to live and love each other.  Help us to make good choices and to treat others well. Amen.”

Boy Jesus Presented to God (January 15th)

Season of the Church Year: Great Green Growing Season/ Common Time (green) 

Story in Scripture: Luke 2:22- 38

As we continue to celebrate the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem, it is a special time to consider what Jesus’s first years were like. Although Mary and Joseph were beginning to understand just how important Jesus is, they were probably frequently surprised by him. In this story, we learn about how Anna and Simeon proclaim the good news of who Jesus is. Both of these wise prophets acknowledge the divinity of Jesus- surely causing quite a stir in the temple. Mary and Joseph have arrived to follow Jewish custom in presenting their child to God. They have waited patiently for the right time and have journeyed from Bethlehem as a family. Both Simeon and Anna are there, waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Imagine Mary’s astonishment when these strangers approach her and her baby- confirming what they have been told by the Angels. This is a significant story in that Anna is also written in to God’s story as a prophet. As a woman, she provides a unique perspective on God’s promise, especially because women had a very different role during this historical time than they do now. Isn’t it amazing that God chose to share the good news of Jesus in such unexpected ways? I have included more questions than usual below because it is important to take into consideration all the varying points of view in this incredible story.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

Now I wonder how it feels to hold this baby?

I wonder how Simeon feels as he looks at the baby? I wonder how Simeon knows this baby is the Christ?

I wonder how Mary feels about what Simeon said to God?

I wonder how Anna feels when she looks at the baby? I wonder how Anna knows that Jesus is the Christ?

I wonder how Anna feels telling people that Christ has come?

I wonder why Anna is the first to go and tell that God has given the promised gift of Jesus the Christ?

I wonder how Joseph feels about this baby? I wonder how Mary feels about her baby?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for Mary, Joseph, Anna, and Simeon. This story helps us to understand that you include all people in your story. You love all people and want them to learn about Jesus. Help us to share your good news with our friends. You have given us such a wonderful gift, we want to share it! Amen.” 

4th- 5th Grade Students will Learn about Communion

Students in the 4 and 5 grade classroom will be spending a season learning about Communion (also called Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper). Beginning on February 5, they will spend four weeks delving into the history and beauty of this incredible sacrament. On March 4, they will have the opportunity to engage in an entire service, taking communion at the end. This class will be taught by Julia Guy and we will be using a wonderful resource called Jesus With Us, The Gift of the Eucharist, (Tarzia & Ferri) an age appropriate text that will inspire conversation about this important element of our faith. Please join with us in praying for these young people and their journey into a deeper expression of life with Christ.