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When I think about formative conversations for my faith, a rapid slideshow of images flash through my mind. My earliest memory of a Sunday school teacher is of Mrs. Clark. I remember her black hair and red lipstick and how she would answer my questions and gently redirect my energy.
I remember a woman who helped me make really cool crafts on Wednesday nights. I don’t remember her name, but I remember her lesson on generosity and how important it is that we don’t spend all of our money on ourselves, but share with others.
I remember some grandparents in our congregation who led the youth group in through the entire Chronicles of Narnia. It gave me a deep appreciation for what we can learn about God, good and evil, and relationships, through books and movies. I use that skill to this day.
I remember the woman who showed me how to use the overhead projector so I had a role and a place of belonging in worship. I remember the encouragement I received when I helped in the nursery. I loved that adults knew my name. They showed me the value of a deeper relationship with God and helped me learn about who God is. They shared a love of scripture and the joy of serving. I remember people who made time for me, people who listened to me, people who showed me that they cared about me.
I remember seeing my parents practicing their faith. I remember them taking time for prayer and Bible study as a family. I remember them taking us to church so that we could experience the love of God through others there and learn the importance of being part of the body of Christ to worship.
I have similar slideshows of the people who poured into my children. People who took the time to know their names. Redirect their energy. Celebrate their joys. I am thankful for the people who spent an hour a month in the nursery. Those who made breakfast for the youth on Sunday mornings. Their small group leaders. The leaders of their mission trips. People who created space for my children to learn about God, God’s love for all, their purpose, and their value as children of God. I remember my realization that my children were much more open to hearing about faith and God from people who were not their parents!
I watched the joy of one of our children when a choir member waved at him on Sunday. He loved being acknowledged and recognized. I also invite you to consider into whose lives are you speaking. How are you helping our children and youth experience belonging in the church, the love of God, and their purpose? How are you making space in your life to love the children God has given our congregation? There are dozens of ways to make a difference in children’s lives from weekly volunteering with children and youth to cooking a meal for the youth or children’s choir, assembling crafts, writing notes, and learning their names and speaking to them on Sunday.
How are you experiencing and sharing that joy?
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