Church News: October

Folks periodically ask us if we are having Sunday school for children, and this year we can answer yes! Only not on Sunday and not every week to begin.

Drawing on an old Trinity Church tradition, ours will be on the second Tuesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. at Trinity Community Lutheran Church, 1880 APA Road. Years ago, before we had a parish hall, “Sunday” school was held on Tuesdays. The kids would get off the school bus at the community center and religious education would happen for an hour. We have decided to recreate a new version of that tradition once a month at the parish hall of the church.

It would indeed be terrific to have this happen once a week, but like most country congregations nowadays, we are small in number and wiser in years (but not so young in age).

Nevertheless, we want to share with children that God loves everyone and is in and with all creation all the time. So, we will begin, and who knows, the Spirit may, sometime in the future send us folks to help us grow. When that happens, we will expand the number of weeks.

Religious education is really about encouraging children in their natural spirituality, and teaching about different religious approaches to wonder, worship, mystery, goodness, love and joy. It emphasizes community: It’s for kids and for parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, caregivers and all who treasure kids.

Our Tuesday school requires that each family or group have an adult with them. We want parents/caregivers to know what is being taught, so they can share the ideas and answer questions at home throughout the week.

There will be inspiring stories from various traditions, snacks, songs and games, loud and quiet times.

Our initial Tuesday school session met on September 16. Our topic foreshadowed Rev. Sydney’s sermon the following Sunday on balance in our lives. We had healthy snacks, walked on a labyrinth, heard stories from two traditions and then ended by singing the song learned throughout the time.

We want parents and children to know that they are welcome, not only at Tuesday school, but to worship on Sunday at 11 a.m. as well. We are definitely a Christian congregation, but we have learned that there are many paths to learning about and knowing the God who loves us all and teaches us how to love God and our neighbor. Everyone is welcome at Trinity. Please join us any Sunday at 11 a.m. and every fourth Sunday at 4 p.m.