St. Andrew's Children and Family Ministry |
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Dear Families,
Tomorrow is Ascension Day, the day we remember Jesus ascending to heaven to be at the right hand of God. The Ascension can be a tricky event to explain to children. It is filled with questions that even a lot of adults still grapple with: why did Jesus have to leave, how is he still with us, and why are we still looking up when our work is clearly right here in front of us?
From a parenting perspective, I relate to the idea that Jesus had to leave in order for us to fully live into God’s call in our lives. If he had stayed, we would have relied too heavily on him doing the work, and we would have never fully stepped up to do it ourselves.
As parents, we have to cultivate the skill of stepping back and letting our children take over. Whether it’s at school, on the soccer field, or in their relationships, if we don’t step back, they never get the chance to fully learn and become who they are meant to be.
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Alleluia.
Christ is Risen.
The Lord is Risen Indeed.
Alleluia!
Amen
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Any parent that has sent their child off to grandma's house, camp, or college, knows it doesn’t mean we aren’t there for them or that we don’t love them, it’s just a different way of being in relationship with them. I know this stepping back isn’t always easy for parents, and I imagine it may not have been a cake walk for God either. As a parent, I take great comfort in the idea that maybe things can be complicated even for God.
Ascension is another season in our journey of faith. One that will be followed closely by Pentecost—a new season in the church year, and then summer—a new season in our family lives. We are continually rotating through these seasons, some harder than others. And Ascension reminds us not to hold on too strongly to any of them. It calls us to be open to the new growth that can come with letting one go and letting the next one come. Most importantly, perhaps, it comforts us with the reminder that whatever season we are in, God is there with us.
Blessings to you all.
Much love,
-Erin
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This Week in Sunday School
This week we join the disciples as they are amazed an confused by Jesus's ascension. We will wonder how they felt and how Christ is still with us. No Sunday School next week as we celebrate Pentecost in a special courtyard service with a baptism and treats afterward.
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Important Dates
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5/28 – Pentecost Celebration No Sunday School
- 5/31 6:30 pm – Liturgy for Peace and Justice
- June 4 – Goodbye celebration for Deacon Heather and Parish Breakfast re-opens
- 6/11 – Sunday School teacher appreciation day-Last Day of Sunday School
- 6/26-30 – VBS (details below)
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What to do on
Ascension Day
May 18
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We are doing a special Godly Play story about The Ascension this Sunday. But if you want to do something to celebrate with your family on the actual day (tomorrow) you could watch the attached video and then have a family movie night watching Mary Poppins together.
Flying a kite, blowing bubbles, or looking at Ascension Day art together are all good ideas too.
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VBS
June 26-30, 9 am to noon
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Get ready to blast off for a Stellar week of VBS celebrating God’s light in the world. Join us June 26-30 from 9 am to 12 pm across the street at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. VBS welcomes children ages 4 through those entering 6th grade. We can also accommodate many special needs. Youth are welcome to volunteer. For more details please contact me.
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Celebrating Deacon Heather
Sunday, June 4, 11am
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Sadly, Deacon Heather's curacy with us is coming to an end. We'll be celebrating her by reinstating our monthly Parish Breakfast! You can also share your appreciation of her ministry in the form of a financial gift by giving via the website (choose “Heather's Gift”) or sending in a check with “Heather” in the memo. |
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Parish Breakfast is Back!
Sunday, June 4th, 11 am
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Parish Breakfast is returning Sunday June 4th after 10am worship. This monthly treat is cooked by parishioners for parishioners. If you are interested in volunteering for the cooking, service or clean-up teams, contact Julian Betts for more info.
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Seasons
"We are always changing,
exchanging, learning,
dying, blooming,"
-Kaitlin Curtice
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Sunday Worship
(Masks Recommended)
8:00 am and 10:00 am
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If you can't join us in person click here to join the livestream worship. If the livestream is unsuccessful, there will be a recorded version posted to the website on Tuesday of the following week. Click here to access this week's bulletin. Click here to view last Sunday's sermon.
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50 Days of Easter means 7 weeks of Bunnies!
If any bunny could ascend it would be this one.
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The eScrip online mall features your favorite retailers and donates a portion of your purchases back to St. Andrew's.
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St. Andrew's earns up to 7% of your Amazon.com purchases when you shop via the link above or on our website.
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