Promoting Faith

It was promotion Sunday today at church.  Each August, at the beginning of the new Sunday School year, our church hosts a breakfast at which they introduce the Sunday School teachers and recognize students who are moving up to a new class.  Children who are changing classes receive a new Bible or a book to help them along their faith journey.

A child who grows up in our church receives seven books between their dedication as an infant and their graduation from high school.  And each time, the church renews its commitment to the children to be a community of faith which supports and nurtures them.  

Today Isaac moved up to the 3rd-5th grade Sunday School class and was given a new Bible, the NIV Adventure Bible.  He has a wonderful group of teachers who will be guiding him this year in his new class.  He has now been given four of the seven books that he will receive from the church.

These are the words the congregation said after the children were recognized this morning:

Renewal of Commitment to the Children and Youth of College Park

Children and youth of College Park, as your church family, we affirm that you are children of God, beautifully and wonderfully made in God's own image.  We value the uniqueness of each one of you, and we commit ourselves to being a place of steadfast love and support as you continue in this life journey.  We promise to teach you the gifts and stories of the Christian faith; to encourage you as you question, challenge and explore your faith; and to model for you the radical ministry of Jesus Christ, so that you too might boldly live out your faith with others.

Four years ago, when he moved from the toddler class to the 4 year-old Sunday School class, Isaac got an illustrated book of the Psalms.  I think this is one of my favorite moments ever and one I pictured today.

Once again, I was reminded how lucky we are to belong to a church that loves our son so completely.

Accessible Love

Our church is undertaking a Capital Campaign to renovate and improve some of our space. The focus of the campaign has been access -- making the church accessible in all ways to all people. The campaign leadership team has emphasized that the work we are going to be doing is not for those of us using the space now, but for those who will come after us.

One of the things I have always appreciated about our church is that our children are included in everything we do. Milestones are also celebrated as the children grow up. Babies are presented the first time they come to church and then dedicated a few months later. Children get their first bible at their dedication, the first of seven bibles or books they will receive as they grow up in the church. The youth are recognized throughout their middle and high school years, and graduations from high school and college are important events.

Isaac's first bible is now falling apart. The spine has just about separated from the binding. When he turned four he received a beautiful book of psalms paraphrased for children. We some times use these as bedtime prayers. He received another bible when he entered first grade, a children's version of The Message.

We have talked a lot about the capital campaign with Isaac, at home as we have decided what our commitment will be and how Isaac can help, and in Sunday School as we have helped the children understand why the church is doing the campaign. I hope that some day Isaac will appreciate our church and the way he is loved. Right now, it is mostly the place where he sees his friend Aidan and the old ladies (no offense Darcy, Penny and Agnes) who always have a treat for him. Until he truly understands the value of this community of faith that we have stumbled upon, I will appreciate it for the both of us.