St. Andrew's Children's and Family Ministries
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Dear Families,
After my son spent a couple of days with our cousin's family, washing dishes, peeling eggs, moving tables, and more to help with the celebration of life service we were in Tucson to attend, my cousin tracked me down to talk to me. He told me how personable, kind, and clever Liam is. He said it was a joy and a relief to have Liam helping him with both the small and big tasks at hand. Now, I love hearing how wonderful my child is from someone whose opinion I value (doesn't every parent), but I was surprised. Considering this past year of close confinement with my family, I had difficulty distinguishing the Liam my cousin was talking about from the Liam I live with. My Liam is the one who continually leaves bread open on the counter, socks strewn across the living room, and his mail all over my desk. My cousin described a charming and articulate young man, while I remembered only taciturn grunts and grudging hellos. We were seeing the same person, but through a different lens. I was happy to be reminded I needed to change my lens a bit.
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Jesus, who is friend to all,
you taught us that the Kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed
that grows into a huge plant,
so big and so strong that birds can build nests in it.
May our friendships grow so big and wide that they include people of many kinds.
May our our friendships grow so deep and tall that they bring us closer to you. Amen
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I thought of this when I read this week's bible story where we see God choosing David to anoint as king. Yes, he prefers this ruddy-cheeked boy to his bigger and stronger brothers. What did God see that David's family couldn't see? The story tells us, "the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (Samuel 16:7). I wonder what God sees when he looks at my son. Probably more of what my cousin saw than what I did. If I looked at all people, including my son, the way God does, how would it change my interactions and relationships with them? What does God see when he looks at me? If I looked at myself how God does, would I treat myself differently? I think it would be worthwhile for me to consider these things and, perhaps, make some adjustments. Anthony De Mello reminds us to, "Behold God beholding you….and smiling." I'm going to spend the week trying to figure out what God is smiling about.
Much love to you all,
-Erin
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IN-PERSON SUNDAY SCHOOL RESTART! |
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Join us THIS SUNDAY June 13th at 9:45 in the playground for a little chat and maybe some coloring. We will re-introduce our Sunday School teachers and do all we can to help the kids feel comfortable. At 10am we will all go to the Sun Yard for worship.
Sunday School restarts June 20th. Drop off your child/ren at the playground at 9:50 then go enjoy worship. We will bring the children to join their family for communion. The younger children will have a Godly play lesson and the older children will join me for a relaxed lesson and some sidewalk chalk prayer.
In order to follow the current guidelines from our Bishop and the County of San Diego the following safety measures will be observed:
All children must wear masks.
Children must use hand sanitizer at arrival and before returning to their families.
3 feet of spacing will be maintained between children of different family groups.
Individual supplies will be provided for each child.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
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This summer we will be using a lectionary based Sunday School curriculum by Illustrated Ministry. Because of licensing requirements I am not allowed to post it in this email blast. So I will send the materials from my regular email account on Thursdays. If you would like to receive the materials but don't think I have your email address, please let me know so I can add you to the list. I still encourage you to look at the Celebrate Wonder Bible Storybook I used for the spring (and I love!) here.
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Worship Schedule
Now With Coffee Time!
8 am and 10 am, Sundays
No reservations required!
Join us at 10 am in the Sun Yard. Bring your lawn/camping chairs and plan to stay for coffee after. Early worship is at 8 am inside the Shirley Teale Memorial Chapel (chairs provided). Online worship is still available on our website.
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Throwing Spirals and God Beholding Us … and Smiling
"So, I behold my son and the things he’s into with wonder, maybe, perhaps, God beholds me with wonder too."
-Cara Meredith
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Behold about 13 minutes of some of God's most amazing creatures. They are a big reason God is smiling. |
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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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