CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY AT ST. ANDREW'S
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Do you know what my favorite part of summer was when I was a little kid? No, it wasn't that school was out. I was one of those obnoxious kids who couldn't wait to get back to school. OK, so I liked school, it's but mainly because I lived in the sticks where, literally, only one other kid my age lived within a mile of my house (that may actually be hyperbole, but I'm just gonna leave it there for effect). 

My favorite part of summer was VBS! Because we got to go to church, but it wasn't MY church, it was the Methodist church. And we got to play in the church basement, but it wasn't MY church basement-the one I knew all the ins and outs of-it was the Methodist church basement!

Our church had lots of VBS kids but not so many VBS volunteers, so my small Episcopal church teamed up with this huge Methodist church down the street, figuring many hands made light work. I liked this because I got to see kids other than my one friend, my annoying baby sister wasn't constantly underfoot (full disclosure, my annoying baby sister is now a gem), and because the Methodist church had a pool. Not that we were going to get to use the pool during VBS, I just really hoped I would meet a new friend who would invite me to their pool-party birthday. My mother said I shouldn't be envious of the pool, and that I didn't need a pool to be close to God. But she never said you had to not have a pool, and a seven-year-old can dream.

VBS is a wonderful summer memory for me. And I was looking forward to teaming up with Bethlehem Lutheran to help create a wonderful VBS experience for your kids this year too. Yet here we are, still not gathering and missing all the arts and crafts, snacks, and outdoor time with old and new friends. But then, in swoops Constance Mithelmen, our youth director who also has a secret identity as Bethlehem Lutheran's Family Minister. Okay, it's not so secret, but she is a superhero.

Constance put together a delightful virtual VBS program called "God at Work" that I think you and your children will love. You can do it every day for five days, or at whatever pace works for you. Days one and two are up now, and days three through five will be posted soon. You might want to check the supply list before you start. Most of the stuff you probably have on hand, but I wouldn't want you to get caught unprepared!

I know it's different, I know it's another summer tradition that is just a little off this year. But the fun of VBS is playing and snacking in God's love outside, and that can be done just as easily in your own back yard as at church! Enjoy your time together this week.

Much love,
-Erin O'Brien, Director of Christian Education

P.S. St. Dunstan's in Poway is also sharing their VBS program with the diocese. Even yours truly will make an appearance in it, so stay tuned for links!
COMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday-Holy Eucharist
Sundays, 10 am
This week we'll all come together for the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist from The Book of Common Prayer. Since none of us can receive communion right now, after Mother Brenda consecrates the elements, we'll all join in the prayer for Spiritual Communion. You'll find the bulletin and video on our  website

Conversations about Race
Sundays, June 21-July 12, 10:45 am-noon
Our Conversation continues. Join an ecumenical group of participants from three of our neighboring congregations in this four-session overview series using the Sacred Ground curriculum. Through videos and discussion, we'll deepen our understanding of systemic racism as well as our connections. Click  here to join via Zoom or call 669-900-6833 (meeting ID: 224 586 038). Please review  the dialogue guidelines before joining the call. If you can't join on Sunday mornings, but would like to be in a discussion group, please let  me know.

Inspiring Songs Submitted by You!
A few weeks ago, I asked for parents to send me songs that have meant something or stirred something in these difficult times when we are moved to call out again and again for justice.  One family sent this one to me, called Ella's Song,by Sweet Honey and the Rock.  I hope you enjoy it!  Please send me whatever is working for you-song, art, poem, etc. -so I can share it.   




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