November 26, 2021
In a recent video that is swirling around in emails, Brian Wallace, Associate Minister on the Pittsburgh Presbytery staff, asks the question, “Where are the children?”, and “Why aren’t the families coming to church?“
This is a question I have spent hours pondering in the last year and have discussed often with our pastors and Spiritual Formation Committee. I have concluded some of the reasons may be comfort level, or vaccination status, but the number one reason according to Wallace is our momentum has stopped. We are out of our rhythm; we find it easier to worship at home and our daily patterns that were familiar have changed. Without getting too technical, we can compare this to inertia, the property of matter which retains its state at rest (inactivity) or its velocity along a straight line so long as it is not acted upon by external force. For some churchgoers Covid was the “external force” that disrupted the “velocity along a straight line” of their churchgoing. It will need another “external force” to get moving again after months of rest.
I do believe we are easing into patterns that feel more normal. We are finding ways to cope and minister to our children, youth and families in spite of Covid.
Spiritual formation thrives on regular gatherings and fellowship. The Church plays a role that cannot be replaced. Wallace believes it will be 3-5 years until we recover. A current 14-year-old has had Covid impact 10% their lifetime so far and a Kindergartener 20%. Much of their church experience has been impacted by Covid. What can we do? Wallace suggests we practice patience and flexibility to regain the momentum. Back to the physics lesson, to get there we need the push to put the train back on track, to get us all aboard. We would love to see you back here at the station, we have a seat ready for you!
Here are many of the opportunities for children, youth, and families to help you find your way back when you are ready to hop back on the train.
- Sunday School for all ages 9:15-10:15AM.
- Childcare is offered for both Sunday School and worship.
- During Sunday School the Spiritual Formation along with the Mark 12 initiative are offering stories and library visits so that children are able to check out the wide variety of books on diversity and loving thy neighbor.
- Sam Mohollen (a Senior Seeker) will also be visiting the classrooms providing art opportunities in hopes of an art show in May to display the children’s works.
- Young Children and Worship is offered during worship for children 4-years-old through 3rd grade.
- On Mondays from 4:30-5:45PM, Music and Rec takes place with crafts, games and singing with Mrs. B. We are currently masked while singing and starting to prepare for the Christmas Pageant.
- Junior/Senior High Seekers - meet twice a month on Sunday evening 6:00-7:30PM for fun, fellowship, devotions, and service activities. This is a confirmation year where our 7th and 8th graders gather with the pastors and me for a year-long journey to explore and profess their faith.
Families: November 28 at 5PM, Hanging of the Greens. The decorating committee will deck the halls of the sanctuary, but you are invited to the unveiling complete with hot chocolate, fire pits, and singing carols in the Peace Garden.
Blessings,
Jaylee