September 26, 2013 September 26, 2013 September 26, 2013 September 26, 2013 Preparing for Worship September 29, 2013 September 29, 2013 September 29, 2013 September 29, 2013 Nineteenth SundayNineteenth SundayNineteenth SundayNineteenth Sundayafter Pentecost after Pentecost after Pentecost after Pentecost Singing our faith “this is my father’s world” Rev. matthew sturtevantScripture: Psalm 24 Church Leadership Our ministers and lay leaders are available to answer any questions you may have to help you connect with the ministries of First Baptist Church. Rev. Matt Sturtevant Senior Pastor, x. 202 [email protected]Rev. Dr. Meredith Holladay Associate Pastor ofSpiritual Formation, x. 204 [email protected]Jenny Purvis Office Manager, x.203 [email protected]Nathan Benfield Volunteer Building Manager, x.201 [email protected]Jim Davidson Chancel Choir Director [email protected]Holly Grassy Bookkeeper [email protected]John Pauls Moderator [email protected]Evelyn Falen Organist Buddy Langford Custodian Church Office: 785/843.0020 [email protected]www.firstbaptistlawrence.com October Worship Series: Matthew 25 Our Call to Mercy and Justice October 6—World Communion Sunday“I was hungry and you fed me.”Reflections on Sharing a TableOctober 13—Health Care and the Faith “I was sick and you cared for me.” Moment for Mission with Heartland Medical Clinic Church-wide Tour of Clinic at 1 pm (see page 4) October 20—Children’s Sabbath“the least of these”Beating Swords into PlowsharesMicah 4.1-5(see below for more information) October 27—Our Mission with Dezo and Haiti “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Children’s Sabbath—October 20 Sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund, the National Ob- servance of Children's Sabbaths Celebration is a way for faith com- munities to celebrate children as sacred gifts of the Divine, and pro- vides the opportunity for houses of worship to renew and live out their moral responsibility to care, protect a nd advocate for all chil- dren. This celebration is a part of a broader children's movement that aims to u nite com- munities and religious congregations of all faiths across the nation in shared concern for children and a common commitment to improving their lives and working for jus- tice on their behalf. In that respect, each action is bigger, more powerful and more in- spiring than the efforts of any one celebration. We will celebrate our first Children’s Sabbath as a community, along with other churches, synagogues, and mosques around the nation, on October 20.
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Children Matter: Conversations about Faith, Childhood and Parenting
Which would you rather explain to your child: How babies are born, or why are
violence and killing so much a part of the biblical stories in the Hebrew Scriptures?
How the motor in your car works or what Easter means?
Talking to our children—of any age—about questions of faith, scripture, belief is
one of the biggest challenges of parenting and mentoring children. Parents often do
not feel equipped, prepared, or knowledgeable enough to confront their children’s
questions with them.
This Wednesday a group of us gathered to wonder together—to wonder about
how children grow and develop as people, and how their faith develops along with
their intellect, their social skills and identity, and their personhood. We wondered
together about our own faith journey and how we might share alongside the journeys of the younger and youngest
among us.
We shared the anxieties and doubts about finding answers to some of the seemingly-simple, yet quite difficult ques
tions from children. How do we raise our children to have faith? How will we feel confident enough in our own faith
shape theirs?
This time was an interesting and thoughtful time to share together insights and doubts, experiences and questions.
I hope you will consider joining us next month as we continue the conversation about how to nurture the faith identit
and development of our children. “Children Matter” is specifically for parents of children birth through 5th grade,though anyone who wants to join in the conversation is invited!
—Pastor Mere
Children Matter: A Parent’s Perspective
I know, I know. You all are used to reading my perspectives in the newsletter, so this may not seem like anything
new. But I write today not only as a pastor at FBC, but also a parent who has children at the church and one who is t
ing to make sense of how to accomplish the complex task of parenting.
Wednesday night was an incredibly helpful step in that journey. Pastor Meredith graciously suggested that I attend
the “Children Matter” conversation, not as a pastor, but as a parent. Kimberly and I were able to sit together, listen t
gether, and learn together more about the task and call of parenting. Pastor Meredith guided all of us through some i
sightful teachings about the ways that children learn about God and the world. A few gleanings that I would share:
• Children change. Of course, it is obvious that the faith of children is going to change over the years. But even m
extensive education, training, and experience in the areas of faith development don't necessarily prepare me for th
moment when one of my own kids has a question about faith as they are getting ready to jump out of the van for
school! While I had stored in my brain a great deal of what we talked about Wednesday, it was good to hear again
the theory and tenets of faith development. It was especially meaningful while I was able to sit next to my wife an
relate it to our own kids’ development of the last years and months, and even stories from that morning!
• It’s not just about us. It is helpful to have a reminder that we are not alone. There is so much pressure on parent
today that we make sure our kids are perfectly educated, holistically well-rounded, and impeccably behaved. It is
nice to be able to sit down with other parents and admit that we don't have all the answers. Nor do we do it rightthe time. It was a relief to be reminded that we share the task of parenting with other parents, church leaders, Sun
day school teachers and a host of other members of the “village” that it takes to raise a child.
• Yet, it is about us. We live in a society in which we tend to farm out most of the aspects of our lives to other
“experts.” Fixing our car. Making our food. Caring for our lawns. It is tempting to believe we just need to find
right “experts” to make sure our kids get the right theological education and grow up to be good Christian adults.
Wednesday night was a good reminder that the task of faith development is first and foremost the responsibility (
opportunity!) of parents. While I can’t teach my kids piano or be there for every minute of their school day, I can
and should take seriously my responsibility to live my faith at home, honor their faith questions, and demonstrate
love of Christ in the ways we talk and play and grow together. I invite you next month to join us on that adventu