In last week’s Children’s Church, we read of Jesus going into the wilderness and being tempted by the devil three times. Hearing this lesson led to a discussion of what tempts us from finding time to be with God or following in Jesus’ footsteps. Some of the typical responses were given, “video games, too much TV, chocolate, and playing instead of doing what I am supposed to do." But one temptation named was new to me: the checkout line. It took me a minute to understand and I asked, “Tell me more.” The child replied, “You know all the good stuff they put right in front of you on the way out of the store.” Yes! Once you’ve made your mind up that you are done, that Snickers bar is stuck right in your face to say, “just one more indulgence!”

It is hard to put on the blinders to the “checkout line” of life when we are trying to get rid of bad habits or things that get in the way of getting closer to God. This wonderful world has so many ways to keep us busy, to tempt us to the unimportant, to lure us away, and to steal our time from sitting in God’s loving embrace. What if this Lent we simply tried to sit in God’s love for 3 or 5 minutes a day? 

Lilly Lewin, who writes on the God Space website, gives this idea: wrap up in a blanket and sit still and quiet for 3 minutes a day. Spend that time sitting with this statement: “YOU are my child, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” Allow the Holy Spirit to surround you with God’s Love and Honor. 

Sometimes, sitting still doesn’t work for the whole family! I have a nice Family Lenten Calendar that can help your whole family turn towards God during this season of Lent. Bless this Mess daily cards can be placed in a bowl on your table to read at dinner time. There are simple things you can do together, new rituals for the family, and things you can read. You can print them at home or pull them up on your computer. I will also have a few copies printed for folks that would like to have them.

Kathy

The children created Prayers for Ukraine this past Sunday by writing prayers on the petals of the sunflowers that we made. 

As iconographers pray while they are painting, we prayed our prayers right into our art. You can see them on the bulletin board next to the Welcome Desk in the Ellis Hall foyer. Ask your kids about them and grab a prayer bracelet to wear this week. 

Also, here is a link to a helpful article about to How to Talk with Your Kids about Conflict and War >>

As we spring forward with the time change this weekend, you might be too sleepy to change into your church clothes. So come to church in your PJs! Housecoats and slippers are welcome too. 

We will help celebrate Threads Sunday by bringing new kids' pajamas and/or baby blankets. If your lovie wants to come, they can too!

All parents, grandparents, godparents, and caregivers are welcome to join us to share and learn from each other as we travel this parenting journey together. We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month.

We're reading Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents by Wendy Claire Barrie as a guide for discussion.

We're excited to have VBS on Monday, May 30 through Friday, June 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with aftercare available until 5:00 p.m.

K-1st Leaders: Sarah Bryant, Kathy Compton, Laura Gandy, Anne Elzemeyer, Elinor Hitt, and Beth Frilingos

Curriculum: The Days of Creation

2nd-3rd Leaders: Danny Johnson, Sue Bess, Sintra Constant, Meg Fogel, Ashley Thompson

Curriculum: The Days of Creation

Club 45 Leaders: Jack Norton, Tim Frilingos, Julia Wilson, Steve Davis, Emily Pheil, Emi and Michael Gragnani (subs)

Curriculum: Connect

If you haven't already, please don't forget to register on Realm for Little Saints, Children's Ministries, and Children's Choirs.