Please use the following link to register for the Rebecca Nye webinar:
http://blogs.united-church.ca/edge/rebeccanye/
Thank you!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Making the Christ Connection in Children's Literature and in Life
Today's meeting with Jessica Pratezina, Cheryl Thornton (STORYVALUES story teller) and Heather Kuipers (of Ella Minnow Children's Book Store) was exciting and productive. We talked about CECE - its formation and goals. We also talked bout CECE's forthcoming conference!!!
One area that was raised was how we in the church might raise awareness of our children and their families about how to make the Christ connection in stories and in our lives.
We expect that preacher will lift up the Scriptures and demonstrate how the Christ message is relevant to us today. Making the Christ connection in our readings and daily lives is a bit of a reversal to this. It is about keeping Christ centred and making connections to Christ in the stories we share with children on a day to day basis - the stories from the secular world as well as helping them to realize how to connect their daily lives to Christ and the message of the Gospels.
We look forward to future opportunities to discuss this further after Easter.
One area that was raised was how we in the church might raise awareness of our children and their families about how to make the Christ connection in stories and in our lives.
We expect that preacher will lift up the Scriptures and demonstrate how the Christ message is relevant to us today. Making the Christ connection in our readings and daily lives is a bit of a reversal to this. It is about keeping Christ centred and making connections to Christ in the stories we share with children on a day to day basis - the stories from the secular world as well as helping them to realize how to connect their daily lives to Christ and the message of the Gospels.
We look forward to future opportunities to discuss this further after Easter.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters
The United Church Network for Ministry Development and Children’s Symposium
present a
live webinar with Dr. Rebecca Nye
Tuesday, May 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters
To be part of the webinar, go to this meeting room:
http://momentum.na4.acrobat.com/rn/
Dr. Nye is a child psychologist, researcher, lecturer and author in the field of children’s spirituality. She is currently a Lecturer for Cambridge Theological Federation and an
Associate Lecturer for Open University.
Dr. Nye will discuss why she thinks children have some kind of innate spirituality and what children's spirituality needs to thrive, as well as questions posed by listeners.
There is no fee for this event. Participants will be asked to help us evaluate its success and the possible development of a series of webinars about walking with children in faith.
Dr. Nye’s books include The Spirit of the Child with David Hay,
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters,
“Spirituality” in Through the Eyes of a Child (ed. Peter Privett and Anne Richards)
present a
live webinar with Dr. Rebecca Nye
Tuesday, May 10
1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters
To be part of the webinar, go to this meeting room:
http://momentum.na4.acrobat.com/rn/
Dr. Nye is a child psychologist, researcher, lecturer and author in the field of children’s spirituality. She is currently a Lecturer for Cambridge Theological Federation and an
Associate Lecturer for Open University.
Dr. Nye will discuss why she thinks children have some kind of innate spirituality and what children's spirituality needs to thrive, as well as questions posed by listeners.
There is no fee for this event. Participants will be asked to help us evaluate its success and the possible development of a series of webinars about walking with children in faith.
Dr. Nye’s books include The Spirit of the Child with David Hay,
Children’s Spirituality: what it is and why it matters,
“Spirituality” in Through the Eyes of a Child (ed. Peter Privett and Anne Richards)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Mtg of Children's Ministers
Today CECE met with a group of children's ministers from across the Toronto Diocese. It was a small (9) but mighty team.
You may recognise some of the members.
The discussion was vibrant and motivating. Gradually we are moving to wards planning a conference for children's ministers to be held on Saturday November 5th at St John's York Mills Anglican Church - where CECE is housed.
Stay tuned to this blog site for more info re the coming conference!
Playing Through Easter
Friday is a special day for me because this is when my weekly "volunteers" pay a visit to the church office. Nathan (9) James (7) and Emily (4) D'Silva and, of course, their elegant and lovely mother, Andrea, spend about an hour a week, checking markers, writing birthday cards, tidying up and, in general, being adorable.
James has just begun to read to himself and was recently cuddled up in bed with a children's picture Bible. A few weeks ago, he came to the section about Jesus death. The story captivated him. So much so that he rose early the next morning, went to the basement and began constructing a cross out of 2 by 4's.
Hearing the frustrated banging, his older brother, Nathan, went to see what was up. "This isn't working!" said James, as he pounded away with a hammer.
"That's because you're trying to hammer in a screw," remarked Nathan. Things progressed more smoothly after this and it wasn't long before James had constructed his very own processional cross and immediately began to work on his very own Good Friday ceremony.
I'm always fascinated to see the way children play to figure out the world around them. I once saw two little girls come into a children's bookstore, carrying baby dolls. They immediately went over to a bench, sat down, and both began to "breast feed" their dolls. Their caregivers explained that both their mothers had recently had babies. The girls were obviously sorting out and processing this new phase in their life through their play.
Given even very basic toys, children will instinctively play, creating worlds that mimic their own homes, with characters who are going through similar experiences as they are. I once saw a little girl use legos to act out the Nativity story, and then promptly give baby Jesus a "time out." We can guess what may have happened to her recently.
While there is an obvious "cute factor" to the stories I've just told, something serious is also revealed in these "plays." Something I, and I believe many adults, can envy in children. It's particularly highlighted in the story of the D'Silva children and the cross. That is, the ability to loose oneself in ritual, in the acting out of a story. To enjoy ceremony and even pomp.
Even day to day, structure and ritual keep us safe and make us feel secure. This is especially true of children, who thrive on ritual and routine. The first thing you will notice about any children's mental health institution worth it's salt is that day to day living is extremely rigid. Children in crisis need this security desperately.
Similarly, the Christian calendar provides us with a structure to guide our lives. Times for pause, self examination, rejoicing, mourning, fasting and feasting. All leading up to the grandest day of all, Resurrection Sunday.
I'm asked every year why I don't host an Easter egg hunt at Little Trinity. I realize many think I'm over analyzing the dangers of hunting for chocolate in the park. I really have nothing against Easter Egg hunts in general, but I do have a problem with having them in church. In my opinion, the "art of playing" is so important to the experience of children, it would do them a disservice to mix metaphors. To play through the grand, high, epic story of the Resurrection in church and then mix it with the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs muddies the experience. I believe it's confusing to children.
Easter is the highest day of the Christian year. Everything else is a prelude to this day, when our Lord, who was dead, is made alive again. I have always wished we lived in a Christian culture that reflected this. I've always found it puzzling that Christmas seems to trump Easter in terms of excitement and anticipation, both in our Christian culture and in our secular one. I would love to experience an Easter, and in fact, all the time leading up to Ascension, that was full of shouting and singing and dancing and sharing and feasting and laughing. Something to give the wider community (and perhaps even the Easter Bunny) pause.
"Look at those crazy Christians and their lavish party!" So we could have to opportunity to tell them, "We are celebrating our Lord and Brother, who was dead and is alive again!"
That is truly something worth celebrating!
--
Jessica Pratezina
Children and Family Ministries Coordinator
Little Trinity Anglican Church
James has just begun to read to himself and was recently cuddled up in bed with a children's picture Bible. A few weeks ago, he came to the section about Jesus death. The story captivated him. So much so that he rose early the next morning, went to the basement and began constructing a cross out of 2 by 4's.
Hearing the frustrated banging, his older brother, Nathan, went to see what was up. "This isn't working!" said James, as he pounded away with a hammer.
"That's because you're trying to hammer in a screw," remarked Nathan. Things progressed more smoothly after this and it wasn't long before James had constructed his very own processional cross and immediately began to work on his very own Good Friday ceremony.
I'm always fascinated to see the way children play to figure out the world around them. I once saw two little girls come into a children's bookstore, carrying baby dolls. They immediately went over to a bench, sat down, and both began to "breast feed" their dolls. Their caregivers explained that both their mothers had recently had babies. The girls were obviously sorting out and processing this new phase in their life through their play.
Given even very basic toys, children will instinctively play, creating worlds that mimic their own homes, with characters who are going through similar experiences as they are. I once saw a little girl use legos to act out the Nativity story, and then promptly give baby Jesus a "time out." We can guess what may have happened to her recently.
While there is an obvious "cute factor" to the stories I've just told, something serious is also revealed in these "plays." Something I, and I believe many adults, can envy in children. It's particularly highlighted in the story of the D'Silva children and the cross. That is, the ability to loose oneself in ritual, in the acting out of a story. To enjoy ceremony and even pomp.
Even day to day, structure and ritual keep us safe and make us feel secure. This is especially true of children, who thrive on ritual and routine. The first thing you will notice about any children's mental health institution worth it's salt is that day to day living is extremely rigid. Children in crisis need this security desperately.
Similarly, the Christian calendar provides us with a structure to guide our lives. Times for pause, self examination, rejoicing, mourning, fasting and feasting. All leading up to the grandest day of all, Resurrection Sunday.
I'm asked every year why I don't host an Easter egg hunt at Little Trinity. I realize many think I'm over analyzing the dangers of hunting for chocolate in the park. I really have nothing against Easter Egg hunts in general, but I do have a problem with having them in church. In my opinion, the "art of playing" is so important to the experience of children, it would do them a disservice to mix metaphors. To play through the grand, high, epic story of the Resurrection in church and then mix it with the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs muddies the experience. I believe it's confusing to children.
Easter is the highest day of the Christian year. Everything else is a prelude to this day, when our Lord, who was dead, is made alive again. I have always wished we lived in a Christian culture that reflected this. I've always found it puzzling that Christmas seems to trump Easter in terms of excitement and anticipation, both in our Christian culture and in our secular one. I would love to experience an Easter, and in fact, all the time leading up to Ascension, that was full of shouting and singing and dancing and sharing and feasting and laughing. Something to give the wider community (and perhaps even the Easter Bunny) pause.
"Look at those crazy Christians and their lavish party!" So we could have to opportunity to tell them, "We are celebrating our Lord and Brother, who was dead and is alive again!"
That is truly something worth celebrating!
--
Jessica Pratezina
Children and Family Ministries Coordinator
Little Trinity Anglican Church
Tips for talking with kids about Holy Week
Betsy Moss in collaboration with Catherine Keating, Ed. D.
Children of all ages have complicated questions about Holy Week. Below are suggestions for responding to their questions and short descriptions of some of the events of Holy Week. I encourage you to think through these questions and about how you might respond. You may find reading scripture will help you better explain what happened and why. Recommendations for children’s Bibles and other resources are listed at the end of this essay. This is a wonderful opportunity to share with your children what you know about God’s love, to teach your children about Jesus, and to pray with them.
Palm Sunday is the day we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem exactly one week before His Resurrection. Jesus fulfilled a prediction/prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by riding into the city on a donkey. As he approached the city, a huge crowd gathered and shouted out praise to God for all the amazing acts they had seen Jesus perform. They called, “Hosanna! Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Matthew 21:1-11)
Jesus knew his time on earth was going to end, so he gathered his followers to share their last meal together. It was the first supper of Passover, a week-long Jewish festival when the Israelites celebrate God delivering them from slavery under the Pharaoh in Egypt (Exodus 12:14). We call this meal with Jesus and his disciples the Last Supper.
Two important things happened during the meal. First, Jesus washed and dried his disciples’ feet with a towel. He did this because He wanted to show them what it means to be made clean and holy by Him. He also showed them that are all equals in God’s eyes. (John 13: 4–17) Then, during the meal, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, and shared them with His disciples. He taught them that sharing in this meal represented God’s forgiveness and love for the entire world. (Matthew 26: 26-29, Luke 22:19-20)
At Church of The Messiah we follow the example of Jesus and his disciples on Maundy Thursday by sharing a meal and washing one another’s feet. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” Jesus asked us to repeat the Last Supper in memory of Him, and we do this every Sunday in the Eucharist (also called Communion).
It is easy to forget that we need to explain the paradox of Holy Week – how strange it is to call the day Jesus died GOOD Friday. What happened on that Friday is only good because we know what happened on Easter Sunday: Jesus came alive again! In the church service on Easter Sunday and on every Sunday, we remember what happened on the first Easter Sunday. It is not happening right now, and we are not re-enacting it.
Children may have questions about death itself. You can reassure them that most people die when they are much older than their parents, and that very few children die nowadays. All living things die at some point. You may want to use the example of plants and the seasons as a way to illustrate this for young children.
Some children may have experienced the loss of a loved one or a pet. The Apostle Paul and the author of Revelation make it clear that all things are made new in the final expression of God’s power. That means even deceased pets have a share in God’s kingdom. It also means that the Resurrection is more than the resurrection of individuals, but whole societies—the whole world. (I Corinthians 15)
Focus on the human actions and motivations for the events in the story, rather than trying to give a complex theological response.
His friends betrayed Him, the religious authorities were bullies who liked being in control and didn’t want to loose their power, and the Roman governor didn't want to get involved in a religious conflict.
The short response, “Jesus died for our sins” will be lost on children who are still struggling to grasp the details of the story. This question may lead to many other questions about historical details, like Who killed Jesus? What did He do? Why didn’t someone stop them?
The focus in this question is on who killed Jesus and on his provocative ministry. Emphasize the controversial aspects of Jesus’ life and explain how His own actions had a part in bringing about His arrest and death. His teaching in the temple was a serious threat to the religious authorities, which is why they arrested Him in the first place. They were jealous of Him and afraid He would change things and take over all they had and knew. He was also accused of leading a political rebellion, which is why Pilate had the sign “King of the Jews” nailed to his cross.
Jesus turned the world upside down. He taught people to love their enemies and to give their money to the poor. He invited everyone to be a part of God’s kingdom, not the popular or powerful people. Many people in Jesus’ lifetime did not understand who He was. He did miracles and healed people, which amazed some people. But, some thought Jesus was wrong to befriend the poor, the sick, and people who were different. And others thought He was wrong to heal on the Sabbath because they did not work on the Sabbath and thought of the healing as work.
The simplest answer is “His enemies” who were afraid and jealous of Him taking over what they had. This response helps make sense of what happened. Avoid using terms like “the Jews,” because we must not answer this question in a way that teaches anti-Semitism. It is much better to emphasize that people who lived long ago killed Him.
Some children may have heard this idea in a sermon or other teaching. We are all like Peter, Judas, or the other disciples who betrayed Jesus. We are all involved in personal and societal patterns that are very similar to those Jesus opposed.
Why didn’t God stop them from killing Jesus? How could God let Jesus be killed? How can we be safe in the palm of God’s hand?
God did not want people to kill Jesus. God loves Jesus and He loves us too. Avoid saying God intended Jesus to die. What sort of loving father intends his son to be killed? Jesus was fully human and He chose not to abandon the undertaking of the Incarnation—God becoming fully human. When God became human He committed to going along with whatever consequences might arise in response to His love. Jesus bore the consequences of having come into the world. God wanted to make disciples of Jesus. He did not want people to kill Him.
There are some things that mommies and daddies may not want to happen to their children, but they happen anyway, like falling when learning how to ride a bike. God took care of Jesus; he did not desert Him. Jesus’ whole body was healed and made alive again because God wouldn’t let death be the last word. Just like God raised Jesus from the dead, He is also going to raise us from the dead. Nothing—not even death—can take us away from God. God always cares for us, no matter what happens to us or what we do. (Romans 8: 37-39)
This is the pinnacle of Christian joy—our biggest celebration even more that that of Christmas! We spend the six weeks of Lent in preparation for Easter, and we live in Easter-tide for fifty days after Easter. There are many ways of celebrating Easter at home with candles, fresh flowers, and egg decorating. The complex celebration finds its fullest expression in the church.
It may be tempting to focus only on the Resurrection and avoid the grief of the Crucifixion. That is how many of us deal with pain, by diverting our attention away from it and focusing on happy memories and promises. But, remember that avoiding the grief of the Cross means we miss the power of the Resurrection.
How did God do that—raise Jesus from the dead in a new way?
The truth is, we just don’t know. Jesus’ Resurrection was an amazing miracle that cannot be explained. It really did happen and His disciples really did see and touch Him. There were many witnesses who saw Jesus and testified that He was alive.
Unlike zombies who have bodies that continue to decay, the Resurrected Jesus was fully and completely alive in body, mind, and spirit. He was in no way still dead.
Just as God heals us when we get sick, he has the power to heal the most serious illnesses. This is a theological interpretation of the healing process. He can even heal us of death. Jesus’ miraculous healing of people’s bodies (especially in the Gospel of Mark) anticipates his Resurrection. Many of the instances of Jesus healing involved someone being “raised up.”
And so He wouldn’t let us stay dead either! God has the power to undo the worst things that happen to us. And the worst thing we can do to ourselves or someone else is not beyond the reach of God’s love, power, and forgiveness. (Romans 8:38-39, 10:9-10)
Children of all ages have complicated questions about Holy Week. Below are suggestions for responding to their questions and short descriptions of some of the events of Holy Week. I encourage you to think through these questions and about how you might respond. You may find reading scripture will help you better explain what happened and why. Recommendations for children’s Bibles and other resources are listed at the end of this essay. This is a wonderful opportunity to share with your children what you know about God’s love, to teach your children about Jesus, and to pray with them.
What happened on Palm Sunday? Why is it important?
Palm Sunday is the day we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem exactly one week before His Resurrection. Jesus fulfilled a prediction/prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by riding into the city on a donkey. As he approached the city, a huge crowd gathered and shouted out praise to God for all the amazing acts they had seen Jesus perform. They called, “Hosanna! Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Matthew 21:1-11)
What happened on Maundy Thursday? Why is it important?
Jesus knew his time on earth was going to end, so he gathered his followers to share their last meal together. It was the first supper of Passover, a week-long Jewish festival when the Israelites celebrate God delivering them from slavery under the Pharaoh in Egypt (Exodus 12:14). We call this meal with Jesus and his disciples the Last Supper.
Two important things happened during the meal. First, Jesus washed and dried his disciples’ feet with a towel. He did this because He wanted to show them what it means to be made clean and holy by Him. He also showed them that are all equals in God’s eyes. (John 13: 4–17) Then, during the meal, Jesus took bread and wine, blessed them, and shared them with His disciples. He taught them that sharing in this meal represented God’s forgiveness and love for the entire world. (Matthew 26: 26-29, Luke 22:19-20)
At Church of The Messiah we follow the example of Jesus and his disciples on Maundy Thursday by sharing a meal and washing one another’s feet. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means “command.” Jesus asked us to repeat the Last Supper in memory of Him, and we do this every Sunday in the Eucharist (also called Communion).
Why do we call it Good Friday?
It is easy to forget that we need to explain the paradox of Holy Week – how strange it is to call the day Jesus died GOOD Friday. What happened on that Friday is only good because we know what happened on Easter Sunday: Jesus came alive again! In the church service on Easter Sunday and on every Sunday, we remember what happened on the first Easter Sunday. It is not happening right now, and we are not re-enacting it.
Why did Jesus die?
Children may have questions about death itself. You can reassure them that most people die when they are much older than their parents, and that very few children die nowadays. All living things die at some point. You may want to use the example of plants and the seasons as a way to illustrate this for young children.
Some children may have experienced the loss of a loved one or a pet. The Apostle Paul and the author of Revelation make it clear that all things are made new in the final expression of God’s power. That means even deceased pets have a share in God’s kingdom. It also means that the Resurrection is more than the resurrection of individuals, but whole societies—the whole world. (I Corinthians 15)
Why was Jesus killed?
Focus on the human actions and motivations for the events in the story, rather than trying to give a complex theological response.
His friends betrayed Him, the religious authorities were bullies who liked being in control and didn’t want to loose their power, and the Roman governor didn't want to get involved in a religious conflict.
The short response, “Jesus died for our sins” will be lost on children who are still struggling to grasp the details of the story. This question may lead to many other questions about historical details, like Who killed Jesus? What did He do? Why didn’t someone stop them?
Why did people kill Him if He was so good?
The focus in this question is on who killed Jesus and on his provocative ministry. Emphasize the controversial aspects of Jesus’ life and explain how His own actions had a part in bringing about His arrest and death. His teaching in the temple was a serious threat to the religious authorities, which is why they arrested Him in the first place. They were jealous of Him and afraid He would change things and take over all they had and knew. He was also accused of leading a political rebellion, which is why Pilate had the sign “King of the Jews” nailed to his cross.
Jesus turned the world upside down. He taught people to love their enemies and to give their money to the poor. He invited everyone to be a part of God’s kingdom, not the popular or powerful people. Many people in Jesus’ lifetime did not understand who He was. He did miracles and healed people, which amazed some people. But, some thought Jesus was wrong to befriend the poor, the sick, and people who were different. And others thought He was wrong to heal on the Sabbath because they did not work on the Sabbath and thought of the healing as work.
Who killed Jesus?
The simplest answer is “His enemies” who were afraid and jealous of Him taking over what they had. This response helps make sense of what happened. Avoid using terms like “the Jews,” because we must not answer this question in a way that teaches anti-Semitism. It is much better to emphasize that people who lived long ago killed Him.
Did we kill Jesus?
Some children may have heard this idea in a sermon or other teaching. We are all like Peter, Judas, or the other disciples who betrayed Jesus. We are all involved in personal and societal patterns that are very similar to those Jesus opposed.
Why didn’t God stop them from killing Jesus? How could God let Jesus be killed? How can we be safe in the palm of God’s hand?
God did not want people to kill Jesus. God loves Jesus and He loves us too. Avoid saying God intended Jesus to die. What sort of loving father intends his son to be killed? Jesus was fully human and He chose not to abandon the undertaking of the Incarnation—God becoming fully human. When God became human He committed to going along with whatever consequences might arise in response to His love. Jesus bore the consequences of having come into the world. God wanted to make disciples of Jesus. He did not want people to kill Him.
There are some things that mommies and daddies may not want to happen to their children, but they happen anyway, like falling when learning how to ride a bike. God took care of Jesus; he did not desert Him. Jesus’ whole body was healed and made alive again because God wouldn’t let death be the last word. Just like God raised Jesus from the dead, He is also going to raise us from the dead. Nothing—not even death—can take us away from God. God always cares for us, no matter what happens to us or what we do. (Romans 8: 37-39)
Guidance on talking about the Resurrection
This is the pinnacle of Christian joy—our biggest celebration even more that that of Christmas! We spend the six weeks of Lent in preparation for Easter, and we live in Easter-tide for fifty days after Easter. There are many ways of celebrating Easter at home with candles, fresh flowers, and egg decorating. The complex celebration finds its fullest expression in the church.
It may be tempting to focus only on the Resurrection and avoid the grief of the Crucifixion. That is how many of us deal with pain, by diverting our attention away from it and focusing on happy memories and promises. But, remember that avoiding the grief of the Cross means we miss the power of the Resurrection.
How did God do that—raise Jesus from the dead in a new way?
The truth is, we just don’t know. Jesus’ Resurrection was an amazing miracle that cannot be explained. It really did happen and His disciples really did see and touch Him. There were many witnesses who saw Jesus and testified that He was alive.
Was Jesus a zombie?
Unlike zombies who have bodies that continue to decay, the Resurrected Jesus was fully and completely alive in body, mind, and spirit. He was in no way still dead.
Resurrection—total healing
Just as God heals us when we get sick, he has the power to heal the most serious illnesses. This is a theological interpretation of the healing process. He can even heal us of death. Jesus’ miraculous healing of people’s bodies (especially in the Gospel of Mark) anticipates his Resurrection. Many of the instances of Jesus healing involved someone being “raised up.”
Resurrection—God didn’t let Jesus stay dead.
And so He wouldn’t let us stay dead either! God has the power to undo the worst things that happen to us. And the worst thing we can do to ourselves or someone else is not beyond the reach of God’s love, power, and forgiveness. (Romans 8:38-39, 10:9-10)
Resources:
- Children’s Bibles such as The Jesus Storybook Bible (Zonderkids)
- Online Bibles: http://bible.oremus.org/ (NRSV translation) and http://www.biblegateway.com (many translations such as NIV and The Message)
- http://thecece.blogspot.com: CECE (Centre for Excellence in Christian Education), see especially the essay “Children, Death and Good Friday,” by Jessica Pratezina
- http://www.faith-at-home.com: website created by Barb Laufersweiler, an Episcopal layperson, who shows her thoughts on faith formation, sacramental Christianity, and more
- http://www.fathermatthewpresents.com and http://www.youtube.com/user/FatherMatthew “Father Matthew Presents” videos by Rev. Matthew Moritz (Episcopal priest)—from Sacraments to puppets!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Messy Church at St Phillip's!
St. Phillip’s Messy Church
Saturday March 26, 2011
The Rev Al Budzin tells how Messy Church began at St. Phillip’s.
It began with the vital church planting conference at St Paul’s Bloor St. in 2008.
In trying to find fresh and new ideas on how to ‘do’ Sunday school and uplift the main traditional service to do something better for the children Rev Al attended the Workshop on Messy Church. He was hooked!
Learning about Messy Church excited the parish leaders. They invited Jenny Andison to speak about Fresh Expressions and church.
This lit a fire and in Oct 2009 St. Phillip’s had their first Messy Church in the parish hall on the last Saturday of the month – that is when they do it.
Mieka Nicholson and Greg Nicholson are the children’s ministers who prepare and lead the sessions. What a powerful and energetic team!
Messy Church begins with children going to tables as they arrive to colour and get comfortable – many parents and grandparents attend with their children. The children then sing songs gathered together around ‘the table’.
Fr Al has as much fun as the children joining in the songs, games and activities!
Everyone gets ‘messy’ and has fun at Messy Church! Fred Sheffield, parishioner, has no children involved in Messy Church but likes to come along to support the program. It is a wonderful opportunity for young families to get to know each other as well as enjoy the Messy Church experience together.
After a story and discussion time the children and adults share in refreshments. The snacks and refreshments are donated members of the community.
The Father Al is always present to end the session with a ‘child friendly’ celebration of the Eucharist.
Our God is an awesome God!!!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
To help you prepare for Easter Jessica has shared this article. Your responses are welcome.
Children, Death and Good Friday
Jessica Pratezina
I've had the privilege these last few weeks of spending time with a family who recently experienced the still birth of their son. The family already has two small children, ages 3 and 6. The six year old told me how he felt his heart was "breaking into a million pieces" when he found out his brother died. Through the grace of God, the family and children are coping remarkably well. However, a situation like this brings the reality of death particularly close to home.
Whether parenting or working with children, stress is always put on being "age appropriate". This can be a difficult thing to do; to broach sensitive and frightening topics in a way that maintains the seriousness and integrity of the subject matter, but in a way that doesn't scare the child on one hand, or dip into false sentimentality on the other.
Particularly with death we seem to prefer to sugar coat our explanations to children, even going so far as to distort our Christian beliefs to make them "kid-friendly". People may, with the best of intentions, say things like "God needed another angel in heaven, so he took your brother," or "Your mother was just too good for this Earth, so God took her to heaven." These may sound silly (and in truth, they are) but I've heard them from well meaning Christians.
Good Friday is especially tricky for families with small children. There is no real way to side step the issue of Jesus death. The Cross is simply the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus wasn't just a nice man going around doing nice things (though many of our children's picture books would like to make us think this), Jesus is the God who died. And not a particularly easy death either, one that doesn't translate well into children's stories.
I think to talk intelligently and age-appropriately about death, we need to get back to what we really believe as Christians. We know and believe that every living thing dies. Even very small children know this. Plants die, animals die and people die. We also have a deep sense that this is profoundly backward. There is something unnatural about death. It's something that just shouldn't be. God created Man to live forever on Earth. And when God sets out to do something, I wouldn't recommend getting in His way. But that's exactly what Death did. And that's why it had to be defeated. When we talk about death to anyone, especially children, we need to keep in mind the whole picture.
I remember when Gordon, my youngest sibling, was about three, he learned that my grandfather died quite tragically as a young man. He must have been processing this as he went to my father one afternoon and said to him, "Daddy, your daddy died, didn't he?" My father said, yes, he had. "Don't worry," Gordon told him, "God will make him alive again!" Really, that's all a child, or anyone for that matter, needs to know. This isn't to negate the reality of grief and mourning, however. We don't "grieve like those who have no hope" (Thess. 4), true but we still grieve. Jesus, after all, wept for Lazarus, his friend who he would shortly resurrect. (John 11)
Like the six year old boy who's brother was still-born, death is a reality for all of us, even the very young. There is no such thing as a topic that is off-limits. If a child is asking about it, they are ready to talk about it, and there is nothing so big or frightening that it can't be talked about simply. Remember that saying "I'll tell you when you're older" is effectively to say "Go find out from your friends." I also don't believe that it's beneficial to sit a child down one day and "explain" death to them. Children don't need to go to a seminar on death, or sexuality or any of the "difficult" subjects of life. What they need are parents who live out the Christian truths on these matters, teaching them diligently to their children, talking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6). This kind of "on the way" teaching is ultimately the kind that matters.
There is also the practical issue of having children at Good Friday services. Good Friday is not an "easy" day, and I'm sure it would do a disservice if it was. Parents will have to decide individually what is right for their child. Christ's death is told very simply and plainly in the Gospels. The writers never try to work the reader up into emotional frenzies when discussing the Passion (unlike certain Hollywood directors) and we should never, ever do that to a child. "Even though Jesus didn't do anything wrong, he was killed. But three days later, God made him alive again."
It's the same when we talk with children about death in general. Be simple and real. Avoid saying things like "Grandma died because she got sick." Does that mean that all sick people die? "Grandma died because she was old." Does that mean that only old people die? And don't forget to address the question behind the question. If a child asks, "Will you die someday?" they are expressing the fear that the parent may die and leave them all alone. Reassure them that there are many people who love and care for them. People die because that's what living things do. It makes us angry and sad, and that's alright. But even on Good Friday, let's not forget about Resurrection Sunday, when the stone is rolled back and and our lives come to their ultimate beginning.
Jessica Pratezina
I've had the privilege these last few weeks of spending time with a family who recently experienced the still birth of their son. The family already has two small children, ages 3 and 6. The six year old told me how he felt his heart was "breaking into a million pieces" when he found out his brother died. Through the grace of God, the family and children are coping remarkably well. However, a situation like this brings the reality of death particularly close to home.
Whether parenting or working with children, stress is always put on being "age appropriate". This can be a difficult thing to do; to broach sensitive and frightening topics in a way that maintains the seriousness and integrity of the subject matter, but in a way that doesn't scare the child on one hand, or dip into false sentimentality on the other.
Particularly with death we seem to prefer to sugar coat our explanations to children, even going so far as to distort our Christian beliefs to make them "kid-friendly". People may, with the best of intentions, say things like "God needed another angel in heaven, so he took your brother," or "Your mother was just too good for this Earth, so God took her to heaven." These may sound silly (and in truth, they are) but I've heard them from well meaning Christians.
Good Friday is especially tricky for families with small children. There is no real way to side step the issue of Jesus death. The Cross is simply the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Jesus wasn't just a nice man going around doing nice things (though many of our children's picture books would like to make us think this), Jesus is the God who died. And not a particularly easy death either, one that doesn't translate well into children's stories.
I think to talk intelligently and age-appropriately about death, we need to get back to what we really believe as Christians. We know and believe that every living thing dies. Even very small children know this. Plants die, animals die and people die. We also have a deep sense that this is profoundly backward. There is something unnatural about death. It's something that just shouldn't be. God created Man to live forever on Earth. And when God sets out to do something, I wouldn't recommend getting in His way. But that's exactly what Death did. And that's why it had to be defeated. When we talk about death to anyone, especially children, we need to keep in mind the whole picture.
I remember when Gordon, my youngest sibling, was about three, he learned that my grandfather died quite tragically as a young man. He must have been processing this as he went to my father one afternoon and said to him, "Daddy, your daddy died, didn't he?" My father said, yes, he had. "Don't worry," Gordon told him, "God will make him alive again!" Really, that's all a child, or anyone for that matter, needs to know. This isn't to negate the reality of grief and mourning, however. We don't "grieve like those who have no hope" (Thess. 4), true but we still grieve. Jesus, after all, wept for Lazarus, his friend who he would shortly resurrect. (John 11)
Like the six year old boy who's brother was still-born, death is a reality for all of us, even the very young. There is no such thing as a topic that is off-limits. If a child is asking about it, they are ready to talk about it, and there is nothing so big or frightening that it can't be talked about simply. Remember that saying "I'll tell you when you're older" is effectively to say "Go find out from your friends." I also don't believe that it's beneficial to sit a child down one day and "explain" death to them. Children don't need to go to a seminar on death, or sexuality or any of the "difficult" subjects of life. What they need are parents who live out the Christian truths on these matters, teaching them diligently to their children, talking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise (Deut. 6). This kind of "on the way" teaching is ultimately the kind that matters.
There is also the practical issue of having children at Good Friday services. Good Friday is not an "easy" day, and I'm sure it would do a disservice if it was. Parents will have to decide individually what is right for their child. Christ's death is told very simply and plainly in the Gospels. The writers never try to work the reader up into emotional frenzies when discussing the Passion (unlike certain Hollywood directors) and we should never, ever do that to a child. "Even though Jesus didn't do anything wrong, he was killed. But three days later, God made him alive again."
It's the same when we talk with children about death in general. Be simple and real. Avoid saying things like "Grandma died because she got sick." Does that mean that all sick people die? "Grandma died because she was old." Does that mean that only old people die? And don't forget to address the question behind the question. If a child asks, "Will you die someday?" they are expressing the fear that the parent may die and leave them all alone. Reassure them that there are many people who love and care for them. People die because that's what living things do. It makes us angry and sad, and that's alright. But even on Good Friday, let's not forget about Resurrection Sunday, when the stone is rolled back and and our lives come to their ultimate beginning.
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