Caregiver Resources

Raechel's Weekly Updates

 
If you are on fall break this week, enjoy!  I am headed up to Minnesota to hopefully catch some fall foliage before the leaves blanket the ground.  Check out this article on why you should put away your rakes to help the environment.  That’s right, one less chore this year.  Yippee!
 
Reminders:
 
Pastor David is still on vacay so Dan Spike will be leading worship this week.  David will be back for the 25th but don’t forget….
  • Messy Church is October 25th at 4:00 PM.  If you have pumpkin carving tools please bring them.  I visited some farms this week and have gathered lots of pumpkins so be ready for some messy fun!
  • Nursery/Family Room Help Needed– We are looking for volunteers to assist in the nursery during worship.  If you feel you would like to help one Sunday per month, please contact Raechel.  Nursery help is needed following the Time with Young Disciples until the conclusion of worship.  You don’t even have to miss the sermon; we have a monitor with worship streamed into the room.  ** Volunteers need to be background checked.
  • November 1st:  Breakfast, 3rd Grade Bibles, Communion and All Saints Bell Ringing.  
That’s it for now.  Enjoy the long weekend,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
 

Weekly Updates Archive

If you are on fall break this week, enjoy!  I am headed up to Minnesota to hopefully catch some fall foliage before the leaves blanket the ground.  Check out this article on why you should put away your rakes to help the environment.  That’s right, one less chore this year.  Yippee!
 
Reminders:
 
Pastor David is still on vacay so Dan Spike will be leading worship this week.  David will be back for the 25th but don’t forget….
  • Messy Church is October 25th at 4:00 PM.  If you have pumpkin carving tools please bring them.  I visited some farms this week and have gathered lots of pumpkins so be ready for some messy fun!
  • Nursery/Family Room Help Needed– We are looking for volunteers to assist in the nursery during worship.  If you feel you would like to help one Sunday per month, please contact Raechel.  Nursery help is needed following the Time with Young Disciples until the conclusion of worship.  You don’t even have to miss the sermon; we have a monitor with worship streamed into the room.  ** Volunteers need to be background checked.
  • November 1st:  Breakfast, 3rd Grade Bibles, Communion and All Saints Bell Ringing.  
That’s it for now.  Enjoy the long weekend,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
The Worship Resource Center has some new additions:
  1. Bags are slowly getting replaced.  This week Emerson (Emmy), Amelia, Elizabeth and Emma have bags in the room.  
  2. There are new worship cards for our bigger kids.  You will find them in a basket on the tall bookshelf.  Grab a ring of cards and a dry erase marker and follow along in worship.  We will be adding some new bulletin stickers and offering cards too.  Stay tuned
  3. Brand new book by Laura Alary on the shelf.  Check it out today and let us know what you think.   
Faith Formation Survey
We are reviewing the results and reading your comments.  Thank you so much for your honesty.  Based on your feedback: 
  • We will be adding SS once a month in the near future.
  • Fifth Sunday’s will be when our children/youth and families help lead worship.  November 29th is the first date.  Sign up sheet can be found here.  Great time to talk with your kids about how they think they would want to lead.
  • Messy Church will be from 4:00-5:30 PM
Bell Choir Sundays– Kirsten and I need your help….On Sundays when the Bell Choir is leading, their tables will be directly in front of the Grace Space.  This is great for the kids to be up close and personal, but we are concerned about safety.  The clothes on the tables, if pulled, will cause the bells to fall.  Any creative ways we can seperate the two spaces?   Our first Sunday is October 25th, which also happens to be Reformation Sunday so they will get to be up close and personal to the bagpiper as well.  Let me know if you think of something….
 
Speaking of bells, the children will once again help ring the bells on All Saints Day (November 1).  They did such a great job last year and we hope they will participate again.
 
Look What I Found..
Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan!   What a fun, relatively close, fall drive to a beautiful family friendly space.
 
 
Enjoy the sunshine,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
October is in the air and I am down for it!   I have already made my first apple crisp, begun the hunt for the best pumpkin and have put a date on the calendar to admire the beauty of the fall colors.  The boat came out of the water this week and it had me longing for a few more summer days, but fall is my favorite so no complaining from this girl.
 
Calendar Items:
 
First Sunday Family Breakfast Club is this Sunday.…are you able to make it?  If you get a chance to respond, let me know.  We gather in FH starting at 9:15am and it is open to all.  Come for breakfast and then stay to be fed spiritually in worship.  Jana Blazek is preaching this week while David is out on vacation.
 
Messy Church is back on October 25th!  We had a few people respond to our survey (if you responded yet, please do so today!) and right now it looks like 4:00-5:30pm is a good time for you all, so we will give it a try.  Dinner will be included so make plans to join us on October 25th.    Our theme is Generosity and it ties in with Stewardship.  Middle School will meet for a lesson and fun in the youth room.  Friends are always welcome.
 
Middle School/High School Fall Retreat at Stronghold is November 6-8th.  Deadline to let me know your child(ren) can make it is October 18th.  Cost is $80 and covers everything.  
 
 Things I Think You will Like:
 
Laura Alary is a favorite and her book The Dot we Call Home is FREE on Amazon Audiobook.  Great for kids ages 5-10 but I think adults will enjoy it too.  Claim it today and happy reading.
 
Speaking of books:  Theo of Golden, The Correspondent and The Calamity Club are my favorites this year.    LOVE them all!   Have you read any of them?
 
My new favorite way to enjoy coffee.  Why have I not had this before?!  I am enjoying this coffee roaster out of Madison, WI.  Just ran out so it is time to grab more.
 
 
That’s it for now!  Have a great weekend and I will see you Sunday.
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Friends,
 
Survey: Here is a link to a brief Faith Formation Survey.  We value your input and partnership so please spend a few minutes completing the form.   As I have stated previously we want to make sure we are providing opportunities that support your family while helping foster your children’s relationship with God.  
 
Here’s What’s Happening:
 
This Sunday is our last outdoor worship of the season (although it looks like rain so we will most likely be indoors) and it is also a baptism.  Your children will once again participate in the baptism following the Time with Young Disciples. 
 
CROP Walk is October 11th and your participation is key to ending hunger.  Here is the link to sign up or donate to our team.  This is a wonderful way for your family to serve together.  Kick off is from St. Anne’s.
 
Third Grade Bibles will be gifted on November 1st during worship.  If you have a 3rd grader or a 4th/5th grader that didn’t receive their bible, please make plans to join us.
 
That’s it for now.  Thank you for coming to Messy Church this week.  It was nice to learn alongside you all and to dance it out during our celebration time.  See the kids flock to the Grace Space and then participate so freely was wonderful.  Even our youngest was moving and shaking.  So fun!
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
MESSY CHURCH AND VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION!
 
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
We are celebrating our Christian Education volunteers during worship this week.  If you have taught an adult or children’s class, mentored a confirmand, worked in the nursery, led a youth group or are on the leadership team, please come.  If you or your children have taken a class, participated in a youth group or confirmation, or visited the nursery, please come.  Let’s show our volunteers lots of love.
 
MESSY CHURCH begins at 5PM Sunday night.  We will gather for engaging activities for all ages (paper airplanes anyone?), celebrate together and then eat.  Middle Schoolers will gather in the youth room and then join us for dinner.  This is a great all ages evening and if nothing else, you don’t have to cook!
 
See you Sunday,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Wow!  What a Sunday at PCB.  The baptism of Emma was just lovely and the Grace Space filled to the brim and spilling out into the aisles made this girl’s heart happy.   I felt like we needed a bigger space and I won’t lie, I have suggested we may have to have a space conversation with the worship team sooner rather than later.  The Holy Spirit was at work for sure.  Pictures from last Sunday are included HERE.
 
Speaking of the Grace Space….
I don’t want to have “rules” for the space but I do think we need a guide since so many children will be in one space.  
  • Please sit with your child(ren)
  • Remind your child(ren) that whispering voices are how we talk in worship.  It is good to wonder and ask questions…just need to be mindful of others around us.  (I sometimes think this is a good reminder for adults too)
  • Standing up to wiggle during a song or participate in worship is perfect and encouraged.  We do need to stay on the carpeted area and not run around though. This doesn’t mean we can’t get up to go to the bathroom, nursery, etc.     
  • Cushions need to stay out of the aisles.
Please reach out with ideas for the space and ways you think we can make it better.  Your input is really important to the Christian Education team.
 
Worship this Week PSA– The lesson focus is Judas.  Although David will not be focusing on the death of Judas, the scripture does say he “hanged himself”.  This can bring up questions so I just wanted you to be aware.  It is part of the story and shouldn’t be ignored, but I do know it can be confusing to some.
 
Family Ministry at PCB this September 
  • September 6-Family Breakfast Club @ 9:15am in Fellowship Hall.  There will be a sign up to help host future breakfasts (with us..not alone) and Debra will be sharing our ideas for the upcoming year.  Please note: these ideas are not set in stone.  We want your input.
  • September 13th-Messy Church @ 5PM.   Sign up is not necessary but it does help with food preparation.  You can sign up HERE or in Fellowship Hall on Sunday.    Please note:  We will celebrate our CE volunteers in worship on the 13th as well (this includes many of you!).
  • September 20th-Baptism of JJ Dowell
  • September 27th- Kick Off Sunday….full choir returns
Friends, churches tend to want to create a program for everything.  Our hearts tell us to make sure everyone gets what they need to learn about God and become a disciple of Jesus which means, we add to your already busy life.   I am guilty of this which is why this year we have tried to create faith formation/community opportunities that don’t fill up your calendar and allow for your entire family to participate together.  There will be times for seperate learning, but church shouldn’t be a place you need to be away from your children (nursery is available if you do want a break though.  lol)      Jesus said come to me and I will give you rest, not a full calendar.  With that said, I highly encourage you to give Messy Church a try on September 13th so we can get feedback and make decisions for the next few months based on your input.  I think you will like it and if nothing else, you don’t have to cook dinner one night.
 

Popcorn Anyone?

Bring Your Own Bucket is returning to Cinemark in Deer Park this Sunday.   For one day only, we’re filling your craziest buckets to the brim (up to 400oz; equal to 2 XL popcorns) for just $5 and I don’t think you even have to stay for a movie.    If you go, take a picture of the bucket you fill.  I think this sounds like a blast.

 
The Passing of Wendall Berry

Finally, beloved writer and environmentalist, Wendall Berry died this week at the age of 92.  You can read about Mr. Berry here.    I may have shared his work with you in the past but I can’t help but share a favorite one more time.  A reminder to be present, slow down and take in the world around you.   He was truly one of the greats and will be missed.  

 

 

The Peace of the Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

May you find peace in the ordinary and in the chaos.  This reflection from Arianne Braithwaite Lehn may resonate with you and is fitting with the above poem.  The above artwork is from this reflection.

Take care,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Happy Friday!
 
If your kids started school this week take a deep breath, you made it and now get a couple days to recoup.  When my children were growing up I attempted to practice Parenting with Love and Logic.  This week the organization popped up on my Facebook feed and it brought a smile to my face.  Check them out here.  If you missed the Blessing of the Backpacks last Sunday, here is a simple prayer for each day:God of wonder and curiosity, open my mind to the amazing world around me today. When I am confused or curious, guide me to wise people who can help me understand new things. And no matter how long it takes for me to learn, I know you are always my patient teacher. Amen  
 
This Sunday…
We are outside this Sunday and have our annual picnic immediately following worship.  Maddie Liput is leading our Time with Young Disciples so come here all about Jesus’ BFF, John.  
 
Next week ..
is our big Grace Space dedication AND the baptism of Emma Vick.   
 
September…
6th-Family Breakfast Club Returns!  9:15am in Fellowship Hall for a light meal and great conversation.
13th-CE Volunteer Appreciation Sunday (Nursery Volunteers, Teachers, Leaders….we get to celebrate you)
13th- MESSY CHURCH.  Details attached and you can sign up in Fellowship Hall (not necessary but does help with food prep).  
 
Finally, in the Carillon each month you will see a new prayer practice.   The practices will be for all ages and this coming month it is about reading the Gospels.  One Gospel per week and while you are reading you can imagine yourself in the story and reflect on it.  I do this every September and I love it.   Kids can absolutely do this.  Choose a Gospel, read a story and then wonder about the story and who they would be in it.  Simple and dare I say, fun?!
 
 
Be Curious and Ask Questions!
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Outdoor Worship at 10am will include a back to school blessing for all students (daycare-Ph.d), teachers (professors too), and school staff (anyone that works in a school!).    Don’t forget a chair or blanket, a bag you use at school and to stay for a bit after worship for an ice cream treat.  Consider inviting a friend to worship with you too.  
 
I can’t wait to see you all on the lawn this Sunday!
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
There is so much happening behind the scenes, and while you can read all about it in next week’s August Carillon, I wanted to share a preview with you today.
 
First of all, don’t forget to save the date for our Back to School Blessing on August 16th.  Oh, and ice cream after our outdoor worship too!  The theme is:  Be Curious Ask Questions and the blessing is for all students, administrators, teachers, and support staff.   
 
Secondly, our worship space is getting a face lift.  On August 30th we will be revealing our Grace Space.  The Grace Space is a family friendly space on the piano side of the sanctuary in the front.  We will be removing a couple pews, adding an area rug, small table, cushions, and worship enhancements.   We can’t wait to share our ideas for the space with you.  Join us on August 16th following worship to learn more about it and then join us on August 30th for the big reveal.
 
Lastly, Messy Church is coming to PCB on September 13th!  The Christian Education team has been working hard trying to find the best way to connect the children and their families to God, each other and the church, while being mindful that your lives are busy.  Messy Church is one time per month and involves activity stations families can do together, a celebration time (think alternative worship) and a shared meal all within 1.5 hours.   On September 13th we will trial this new way of doing faith formation and then seek your input. Stay tuned on how you can sign up to join us on September 13th from 5:00-6:30 pm.
 
Family Fun:
Channel your inner artist using these TEMPERA PAINT STICKS .   I would love to see your masterpieces 🙂

I hope you have some time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.  
 
Have a great weekend,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
It’s Fri-Yay!
 
What do you have planned this weekend?   I sure hope this smoke clears so I can head to Ravinia tonight.  If you enjoy Ravinia our Fellowship team has a fun event planned in August.  They also have a baseball game on the schedule for July 26th.  Stop by Fellowship Hall to see all the ways you can connect with one another this Summer.
 
This Sunday is our next outdoor worship and let me tell you it is going to be a perfect morning at PCB to worship God.  We have a guest preacher, a guest musician that is ready to play 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman and Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin, and Maddie Liput leading our Time with Young Disciples.  Bring your chairs or a blanket and join us on the lawn.  
 
Service Opportunity:  Feed My Starving Children on Monday, July 20th at 5:00 pm in Libertyville.  If you would like to volunteer, please let me know ASAP so I can get you signed up.  Deadline to register is Saturday at 9pm.
 
Save the Date: Don’t forget to put our Blessing of the Backpacks on August 16th on your calendar.  We have a special worship planned for all the students, teachers, support staff, and parents.   Also, our youth retreat is November 6-8th at Stronghold.  Mark your calendars now and watch your email for details this September.  It is open to all 6th-12th graders, and I promise it is worth their time.  
 
That’s it for now.  I have to go prep 20+ dozen chocolate chip cookies for the wedding.  Wish me luck 🙂
 
See you Sunday,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
I hope you all had a fun filled 4th of July weekend and are enjoying all that summer has to offer.  Here is what is happening at PCB this weekend:
 
We have a baptism!  Mia Sophia John will be baptized on Sunday and we would love the children of PCB to help fill the font.  Debra Johnson is leading our Time with Young Disciples and will be sitting with the children up front during the baptism so they can help Pastor David pour the water into the font.  They can stay up front for all of worship or return to sit with you.
 
Next Week:
 
Don’t forget that next Sunday, July 19th is our next outdoor worship.  I will have a blanket up front and hope the kids will sit with me (or near me).  The music is perfect for dancing, wiggling, shaking….you get the idea.  
 
Schaumburg Boomers Baseball- our PCB Fellowship Team has put together an outing to the ballpark.  Sign up in Fellowship Hall or contact Susan Thiess for more information.
 
At home this week:
Check this out…Baking Soda Invisible Ink.   I haven’t given it a try but it looks fun.  
 
What am I thinking about lately:
Change!  My son (my baby) is getting married in a few weeks and I am feeling life shifting (cue the tears).   No matter what stage of life we are in, change is our one constant and sometimes it feels easier than others to handle.   Here is a quote I am reflecting on this week:  “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.”-Robin Sharma
 
See you Sunday,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Just a reminder that we will not be having our monthly First Sunday Family Breakfast Club this week.   I encourage you all to take a look at the upcoming fellowship activities.  Concerts in the park, baseball games and even a night at Ravinia.  What a great way to gather with your friends from church.
 
If you haven’t picked up your summer faith at home bag, please grab one this week.  They can be found in the Worship Resource Center.
 
Wishing you all a wonderful 4th of July weekend.  Have fun and be safe!
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Happy Friday 
 
Outdoor Worship this Sunday!  Don’t forget your chairs/blanket and come worship on the lawn.  **Weather is looking iffy so we will worship inside as needed.    If you haven’t picked up your On the Go with God bag they are in the Worship Resource Center.    
 
Here is everything else happening at PCB this week:
  • The youth mission team is off to Rapid City, SD this Sunday.  We will return on the 27th and will be in worship on the 28th to share our week with you.  Please plan on being in church on the 28th to support the youth but to also inspire our younger children for the future. 
  • Next weekend is also the MOTH Concert on Saturday night (grounds open at 5:30pm and concert begins at 7).  This is a ravinia style evening so pack a family dinner and come listen to some great music.  Will you be attending?  Let us all know so we can look for one another.
  • Joseph and the Amazing TechniColor Dreamcoat is next Sunday at 2PM.  Sign up in Fellowship Hall.  This is a great family friendly show so I hope you will consider attending.
Reminder:  No Family Breakfast Club on July 5th.  Our monthly meal will return on August 2nd.
 
Happy Father’s Day to all of our dads and father figures.  I hope you feel all the love and appreciation this weekend.
 
Peace,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
We are celebrating our graduates in worship this week and I am going to have the younger kids be part of the celebration during our Time With Young Disciples.  Nothing you need to prepare for…just a heads up.    If you or your child(ren)  have not signed the graduate books this is your last opportunity.  We will give the books during our fellowship hour.
 
We are also praying over the youth mission team this Sunday.  Our youth are headed to Rapid City, SD bright and early next Sunday so we will be wishing them safe travels this week.
 
Reminder: please pick up your On the Go with God bags this Sunday.  This is a fun faith at home (at the beach, in the car, on an airplane) activity bag.  There are also some peace card packs you can check out of the resource center and a beautiful new bible for you to explore.  Stop by Sunday to see what is new.
 
That’s it for now….enjoy the sunshine and lovely breeze today and I will see you on Sunday.
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Friends-
 
Set your alarms, put it on your calendar, and maybe even put Post It Notes around the house so you don’t forget to join us for breakfast this Sunday, June 7th at 9:15am.  See you on Sunday!  
 
Faith at Home:
  • To Go Summer packs will be available for pick up on Sunday.  These fun activity packs are great for cars, boats, planes, trains, beaches, mountains, etc. etc.  DoorDash (aka Raechel) is an option if you can’t make it Sunday to pick up your bag.  Set up your delivery today.
  • Pastor David will be preaching a series on the disciples this summer and these inclusive, diverse, and historically accurate paper dolls may be a great addition to your family dinner table discussion.  
  • Speaking of the family table, check out this video by Traci Smith on ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine.  It is all about practice and finding the right rhythm that works for your family
What I am Loving Right Now:
 
All the great ideas on Instagram.  Check out these Twenty Questions that feel like a hug to your child AND this Joy Board.  Shout out to Glenys Nellist for curating these lists.  If you don’t know about Glenys Nellist, she writes some lovely books for children .  Check her out today and if you feel moved, support her work by purchasing a copy of one of her books.  We need people like her helping us bring the love of God to our children in ways that they can relate.
 
That’s it for now…See you Sunday!
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Friends,
 
This is a busy weekend at PCB and we hope you are able to join the fun.
 
Saturday: 
Get your running/walking shoes ready because it is 5K weekend!  It is not too late to sign up to participate in this year’s Ross Bogue Memorial 5K.  The weather looks to be perfect for a fun run or walk with a friend.  Bonus- you get to help the youth as well.  The youth will be accepting donations for some delicious baked goods that are being made with lots of love.  Donations go towards our travel to Rapid City, SD on June 21st.
 
Sunday: 
If your child painted a Pentecost picture please collect from the Family Worship Resource Center.   The art was beautiful and the congregation loved it!
 
Reminders:
Don’t forget to join the First Sunday Family Breakfast Club on Sunday, June 7th at 9:15am.  No RSVP needed…just come!
 
We will be celebrating our graduates on June 14th in worship and during our fellowship hour.  Stop by Fellowship Hall between now and then to sign our HS graduate books.  We will gift the books on June 14th.
 
MOTH Concert on June 27th.  This is a family friendly Ravinia style event that takes place on the lawn at PCB.  Let’s all gather for a fun night.  Parking lot opens at 5:30 and the concert begins at 7pm.
 
What I am Loving:  
Planning a fun game for my son’s wedding shower.  All those youth group games are coming in handy!  The birds chirping, tomatoes that are sprouting, and lazy summer mornings.  Oh, and I took my first boat ride this week.  Time on the water makes me so happy and brings my pure joy!
 
Peace,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
It’s Pentecost!
 
Put on your favorite red, yellow and orange attire and come celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.   The sanctuary has been transformed and includes the children’s artwork from our Pentecost lesson last week.   Please take your child’s masterpiece home with you following worship.  Did I mention there may be bubbles in worship.  Pastor David and I had fun preparing our Time with Young Disciples.
 
Don’t Forget:
  • Have you signed up for the Ross Bogue Memorial 5K?  Call a friend, another family, your sister/brother and consider taking a walk together next Saturday, May 30th.  The money raised supports local food pantries, Habitat for Humanity and other missions supported by PCB.  Don’t forget to grab a treat at the youth bake sale before your walk.  Donations from the bake sale support their mission trip to Rapid City, SD.
  • Our next First Sunday Family Breakfast Club is June 7th at 9:15am.   A light breakfast and wonderful conversation awaits you in Fellowship Hall.  We will be distributing our To Go Summer packs.   A fun way to incorporate God into your summer routine.
  • We will be celebrating our graduates on June 14th.  Stop by Fellowship Hall to write a short note in our high school graduate gift books.  Kids should sign too!
What I am Loving:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and the movie, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Netflix.   I also am loving this new recipe for Mexican Street Corn Sweet Potato Bowl.  I made it with ground chicken instead of beef and thought it was delicious.  I may have had this mug cake for dessert…perfect sweet treat.
 
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
This is our final Sunday of Children’s Faith Formation for the 2025-2026 program year and it is going to be an extra fun time.  All children ages 3 years-6th grade are encouraged to join us following Pastor David’s message for a Pentecost Painting Party.  We will hear the Pentecost story (it is next Sunday so plan your red, yellow and orange outfits) while painting.  
 
Looking Ahead
May 24th– Pentecost Sunday
May 30–5K and Youth Bake Sale      
June 7th-Family Breakfast Club 
June 14th-Graduate Sunday and Youth Mission Trip Commissioning
June 27th- 5:30pm- Concert on the lawn.
 
Things I am Loving:
New to Me Daily Meditation: Piloting Faith by Rev. Cameron Trimble.    My son is a pilot so maybe that is why I am drawn to this meditation, but honestly, so far it is making me think so I thought I would share with you.
 
I have been revisiting some of our favorite recipes this past week.  100 Days of Real Food was/is a favorite site for our family and I think you may like it as well.  Easy and healthy for our busy lives.    Also, these cookies are worth the effort.  Yum!!!  Maybe they will find their way to the Youth Bake Sale on May 30th.  You will have to come and find out.
 
 
Have a great weekend and I will see you on Sunday!
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
This Week at PCB:
Our First Sunday Breakfast Club is this week.  Join us in Fellowship Hall at 9:15 for a light meal and a great time with other parents, caregivers, and children.  This monthly gathering is truly becoming one of my favorite activities at PCB.  I hope you will join us.  
 
Don’t forget to sign up to walk/run the 5K on May 30th!  Please share this link with your friends/family.  This event serves our neighbors at our local food pantries, Habitat for Humanity and more.  You can even support our youth at the event by purchasing some baked goods.  They are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for our trip to Rapid City, SD this June.  https://www.pcbarrington.org/run-the-hills/
 
May 1st is May Day and a great day to show a neighbor some love.  Leave a basket of flowers on their stoop, bake some cookies, have the kids write/draw words of encouragement, kindness and love on the sidewalks, or simply pick up the phone or knock on the door to say hello.  Learn all about May Day here:https://www.almanac.com/content/what-may-day      If you have your kids dance around a Maypole I want pictures!!
 
Faith at Home: 
Is there a prayer practice you started this year that worked for your family?  Did you keep it going or put it on the backburner once Lent or Advent was over?  Now is the time to bring it back.  Practices don’t have to be fancy, time consuming, or require lots of items to make them happen.  Prayer practices are as simple as a bedtime prayer, highs/lows at dinner (or in the car on the way to practice), or lighting a candle and naming things your family has on their hearts/minds.   Just like baseball and piano, prayer takes practice.   Here is your reminder to begin again or keep going.  
 
What I am loving right now: 
All the colors when you look outside your window.  Oh, and the anticipation of weather consistently warm enough for evening boat rides.  Slow evening boat rides are one of my most favorite summer activities.  What is yours?
 
 
All my best,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Happy Earth Day!  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the trees are budding and the flowers are blooming.  I am so grateful for creation today and I am super glad I get to care for it.  How will you celebrate?

This week in Sunday School we are going to have Breakfast on the Beach with Jesus.  This is a continuation of the stories of Eastertide and specifically Peter’s reconciliation.  Breakfast will be more of a snack and the carpet in the library will be the beach, but our imaginations will help us feel the sand, hear the waves, and picture Jesus forgiving Peter.

This week is also a celebration of 20 years of ministry for our music director.  In order for the kids to help her celebrate in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship, I would like to take the kids out of worship  following the sermon.  I will remind you all during Time with Young Disciples.  All kids 5 years- 6th grade should join us for faith formation.

Idea worth sharing: Show and Tell Dinner.  Prepare your children’s favorite meal (or hand them a cookbook and have them choose the meal) and then spend dinner and the time following the meal to have the kids show and tell their talents.  Maybe its a new magic trick, math skill, piano piece, or whatever.    Enjoy

Things I am loving right now: the windows open!!!!!  Oh and the book, Project Hail Mary.   Can’t wait to see the movie too.

Reminders: MOTH Concert is this Sunday at 3PM and childcare is available from 2:30-4:30pm.  Family Breakfast Club is May 3rd!  We will gather at 9:15 am in FH for a light meal and great conversation.

Enjoy your week,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Do I dare say Spring Has Sprung?!  I am cautiously optimistic that the extreme cold is behind us.
 
This week the Easter discussion continues.  Yes, last week was just the start of Easter.  The reality is Eastertide extends until Pentecost.  This week in worship we will be having some of our children/youth/parents leading a Lessons and Carols.   The scriptures of Easter, some great hymns, and more.  
 
Sunday School picks up again this week with a focus on Doubting Thomas.  The children will worship with their families and then go downstairs to SS during the doxology.    Our last SS class for the year is May 17th.  We are working on Summer and will make sure you are the first to know what we have planned.  If you have ideas, thoughts, etc. please let me know so I can bring them to our CE team.  Your input is valuable to us.
 
This came across my desk this week and so I am passing it along to you.  Traci Smith shared and if you have been reading my notes to you, you know I think she is a great resource.  Let me know if you attend any of it.  I would love to chat.

Parenting for Justice Summit — I’m excited to be speaking at the PARENTING FOR JUSTICE FORUM with a lot of people I admire, including Bishop Yvette Flunder and Dr. Almeda Wright. The forum is a free 5-day virtual gathering for parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders who want to raise children who feel safe, affirmed, and free to be fully themselves. If you’re interested in lifetime paid access to this summit, you can get your ticket HERE!

 
April is a great month to care for our Earth.  Grab a garbage bag and let’s clean up!  Enjoy some sunshine and great creation conversations while you love on the Earth together.  
 
Have a great weekend,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Friends,
 
We  are entering into 4 days of wondering, worshiping, waiting and celebrating.   This can be a lot to ponder with our children so I am hoping I can bring a little help.   Traci Smith, in her book Faithful Families tackles Good Friday in a way that talks about what the day signifies, but also addresses the appropriate language to use when talking with children.  If you have the book the discussion begins on page xvi.  If you don’t have the book, I am attaching copies of those pages here. (ignore the not so great scan job)  It is worth the read. 
 
Worship Reminders
 
6PM Maundy Thursday (tomorrow) is our worship with soup dinner.  I encourage you to step away from your regularly scheduled plans and come.  Maundy Thursday helps us understand Sunday better.  Although the language we use with our children is important, I do believe when we walk through the whole week, feel all the feels and experience the events in different ways, we celebrate the resurrection fully.  This service is when we hear Jesus’ greatest commandment to LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES.  I would love to break bread with you and hope to see you there.
 
7PM Good Friday is our Brass Roots musical meditation.  I do believe they are working on live streaming as well so you can enjoy it from home. 
 
7PM Holy Saturday- Campfire with S’mores.  This low key time of community, music and a brief pondering, allow us to sit with the events of the week.  It allows us to wait together for Easter morning.  If it is raining, we will meet in FH.  We do hope to meet in the woods though so wear some good shoes and a warm coat. Oh, and don’t forget a camp chair.
 
Easter
9AM and 11 AM Worship 
9:30 AM- Family Breakfast Club will begin.  Come after the 9:30am worship or before the Easter Egg Hunt and enjoy a tasty meal while hanging with other PCB families.  I think this is fast becoming my favorite mornings each month.  So fun to hang with you all!
10:15 AM- The bunny arrives and the big Easter Egg Hunt will begin.  Gather in Fellowship Hall and then we will head outside. Yes, if it is not raining we will try and hunt outside.  Please dress appropriately.  Rain location is the basement
**new this year…..the eggs will be empty.  The kids will get to trade their eggs for treasures.  A store will be set up and they will get to choose what they want.  We hope this is a fun new way for them to enjoy this event AND we hope you enjoy not putting all the eggs back together :)**
 
And for the caregivers…
May you set aside some time over the next few days to sit in the stillness and just wonder.  It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of spring and forget what this week is all about.   All these worship times can feel overwhelming; I get it.  
 
My daughter was recently reflecting on the Holy Weeks of her childhood and laughed because everyday she said she would think about what was going on and say, “and we have to go to Church again”.   Yes, it was a lot, yes, they were grumpy sometimes (ice cream after Good Friday worship was a tradition they did enjoy) and yes, it was part of our lives and now I pray, part of their lives as adult children.  
 
 Go ahead, get out your phone and block out some time now.  Cancel your Thursday night plans and come to dinner at PCB.  I promise, it is worth it.
 
 
I look forward to seeing you all soon.  
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
"Faithful Families" excerpt
This Sunday is Palm Sunday!  Yes, you have been wandering and wondering for 5 weeks and now we are entering Holy Week with a grand parade.  Shouts of Hosanna and waving palm branches to welcome the King riding on a donkey.
 
Here is what is happening this week:
 
1. If you are back from spring break please be at church by 9:55 am to line up for the parade.  Children will lead the choir into worship and then stand up front waving palm branches before leading the Call to Worship.  This will be a call both readers and non readers can say.   Bulletin on the Worship page of our website for your review.
 
2.  Fish Banks will be blessed this week so make sure to bring your banks to worship.  Won’t be in worship this week?  Bring them on Easter Sunday and place them on the offering plate.
 
3. We also have a baptism this Sunday so if you would be willing to sit up front it would be great.  Wiggles and giggles are fine in the front…no worries.  Besides, having the kids front and center helps them engage in worship better.    We are so excited for Magnus and his family.
 
4. Intergenerational Faith Formation is in its final week.   Consider coming and completing our service projects and add your Post it Note prayer to the board.  
 
Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday at 6pm is our dinner and worship in Fellowship Hall.  I highly encourage you and your family to attend.  We will hear the story and weather permitting, we will end our evening in the garden around a campfire.  
 
Speaking of campfires….don’t forget to sign up for a prayer hour during our Fire Watch on April 2-April 3rd and then come to our Holy Saturday Campfire on Saturday, April 4th at 7PM.  S’mores will be served, songs will be sung, and a lively discussion of wonder will be had.  Don’t forget your chairs!
 
Easter Sunday:
Worship at 9am or 11am.   Breakfast service will begin at 9:30am and the Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 12 years is at 10:15am.    What a morning it will be celebrating the resurrection.  Nursery care available at 11am service.
 
Attached is your Palm Sunday/Holy Week Devotional.  May it provide your family a way to enter this week and to explore the story together.
 
Prayer I am loving right now:
“So today we pray- Give us the strength to live like the crowds that day in Jerusalem.  Where they held palm branches, may we hold a hand out to our neighbor. May we hold open the door for each other.  May we hold onto hope.  Where they cried ‘Hosanna,’ may we cry out for justice.   May we cry out with joy.   May we cry out to you.  Where they laid down their coats, may we lay down our resources-our energy, our creativity, and our time-so that we can build your promised day here.  We do not want to simply talk about our faith.  WE want to act on it, so may this prayer be the first step. (…)”  Rev. Sarah Speed
 
Peace to you all,
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Palm Sunday Devotional
Spring is finally here and I am all for it.  If you are traveling this week, may the roads be clear, the TSA line short, the beaches warm, the museum lines short, and your time with family and friends full of laughter and lots of fun.  Enjoy!
 
Attached is your weekly lenten family devotional.  Traveling Question: What is something you are looking forward to in the future?
 
This Week at PCB:
We are putting together Meal in a Bag Kits this week and it is not too late to provide the items needed:  14.5 oz can of black beans, 14. 5 oz can of corn, 15 oz. can of fire roasted diced tomatoes,  small can of green chilis, taco seasoning packet and 32 oz of vegetable broth.
 
We are also finishing two blankets for our friends in hospice.
 
Next Week at PCB:
Palm Sunday….We would love the kids to help lead the processional and then stay up front to help with the Call to Worship.    We will also dedicate our Fish Banks.  I hope your fish are well fed!   Oh, and we have a baptism so plan on sitting up front so the kids can be part of the action.  Trust me, up front is where it’s at.
 
Holy Week
Maundy Thursday dinner and worship at 6PM is wonderful for the whole family.  The entire worship will be done in Fellowship Hall.  
Holy Saturday Campfire at 7PM for the whole family.  The youth will gather at 5:30 for dinner and fun and to build the fire for us.  
 
Easter
Worship at 9 or 11am.
Easter Breakfast is available from 9:30-10:30am.  Come when you are able and enjoy.
Easter Egg Hunt is at 10:15am for ages 1-12 years.  We will gather in Fellowship Hall and the bunny will lead us outside.  If it is raining (or snowin) we will be inside.  Dress appropriately
 
Something I am loving this week:
These muffins from Ambitious Kitchen.  Yes, they are green.  No, they don’t taste green.  Soooooo good
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
 
Lent 5 Devotional
Hold onto your hats….it’s a windy start to the weekend.
 
This week at PCB offers many opportunities for you and your children to engage with God and one another.  Here is what is happening:
  • Children will learn to sing a Psalm during our Time with Young Disciples and then help lead the congregation following the message.
  • Intergenerational Faith Formation has us making God’s eye mandalas, caring cards for our caregivers, and blankets for those in hospice.  I encourage you to spend a few minutes after worship growing your faith.   Oh, and there will be cake to celebrate our Stephen Ministers and to celebrate the life of Richard Shoppert.
 
Service Opportunities:
  • Help us provide drinks and dessert for the teachers at Countryside School on March 18th and March 19th.  Sign up HERE
  • Meal in a Bag items needed.  On March 22nd and 29th we will be preparing Meal in a Bags for our friends at FISH Food Pantry.  On the menu is Southwestern Black Bean Soup.  Consider adding the following to your grocery list this week: 16 oz. can black beans, 15 oz. can corn, 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 4 oz. can diced green chiles, 1 taco seasoning packet and 32 oz. vegetable broth.  Items may be placed in the bin outside Fellowship Hall.
  • Save the Date: April 18th at 5PM PCB will be gathering together at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville.  Anyone 5 years and older can serve in this fun packing event.  Details and how to sign up will land in your inbox soon.  
  • Fish Banks: Are you feeding your fish?  I have been having fun using the calendar and putting coins in the bank.  
Lent:
Attached is your weekly devotional.  I will also print copies and give them to the children this week.  These pages along with the intergenerational prayer stations are meant to help your family create steady rhythms you can lean into and practice.   
 
An article I loved this week: 
Christie Thomas, author of Little Shoots Deep Roots wrote the following this week regarding Holy Week and I thought it may prove helpful as we enter this time.   **Please note: I am not advocating for the purchase of her work.  Use these ideas as a guide and if you do purchase something, let me know your thoughts.
 
If you’re a tired Christian parent trying to share Jesus with your kids but not wanting to do all the things, can I give you (and me) permission this year?

You don’t need elaborate, you need intentional. (Those are different!).  I encourage you to proactively choose one steady rhythm during Holy Week*, just one thread that helps your family walk the story slowly and helps it become personal.

Here are some ideas!

  • If your family listens well: read a section of Jesus’ last week (the last few chapters of each gospel) every day of Holy Week.
  • If your kids like crafts: do a simple craft each day (but don’t do crafts so elaborate that it makes you spend $100 at the store and take you hours to prep!).
  • If you love a storybook Bible: light a candle each night and read through a page of the Jesus Storybook Bible.
  • If your kids like puzzles and secret codes: invite your kids into one escape-room style puzzle each day, a puzzle that gets them intrigued by the Easter story.
  • If your kids are really young and squirmy: play through one aspect of the Easter story each day.

Just pick ONE thread that helps your family walk the story slowly. (Not all 5, you Type A people, just one…). 

Finally, I finished Theo of Golden (one of the things I was loving last week) and oh my, it was fabulous.  Self published author with a book that Barnes and Noble can’t keep in stock.  Grab a copy (or borrow mine) today.

 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Daylight Savings begins this Sunday…Don’t forget to SPRING forward!
 
This week is the start of our Lenten Intergenerational Faith Formation.  This is a time for all ages (young and young at heart) to come together to learn together.  What can you do this week?  You can make blankets for neighbors in hospice, send a “just because”card to someone, and make a prayer bead keychain.  Do one or all, but please come.
 
The scripture this week is about the woman at the well.  Gosh, I have a lot to say about this woman, but if you like videos, check this one out.  Honestly, they are for kids but my family loves them too.  
 
Attached is the week 3 at home devotional for your family.
 
Don’t forget:
  • March Madness to support the youth mission trip is underway.  $50 gets you a team (which will be randomly chosen on March 16th) and if your team wins the tournament, you will split the pot with the youth mission group.   Sign up in Fellowship Hall or contact Jodie Harmsen or myself. 
  •  
  • We need volunteers to purchase drinks and make dessert for the teachers at Countryside School (neighbors at the bottom of the hill) on March 18th and 19th.  Consider this fun way to give back to our neighbors…sign up HERE
  •  
  • Kids sing at church on March 15th…hope to see you there.
 
What I am loving this week:
 
My free trial to Apple TV…catching up on Shrinking and The Last Thing He Told Me
 
Celebrating all the birthdays in March …our family has 5!
 
My trip to the bookstore to buy Theo of Golden.  A friend read it twice in one month so I am looking to read what it’s all about.  I believe it started as a self published book before becoming so popular.  Have you read it?
 
 
Have a wonderful weekend,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
The second week of Lent begins this Sunday.  Attached is your family devotional for the week.  Please use it in a way that fits the life of your family.
 
Children:
Our monthly Family Breakfast Club is THIS SUNDAY beginning at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall.  Please join us for this time of fellowship and simple meal. 
 
Youth:
Youth Group will gather again on March 15th at 5PM for Sunday Supper and Fort Night.  This is for all MS and HS youth and their friends.  It is good to be green is our dinner theme and we will be celebrating Mr. Roger’s birthday by building a fort community.  We will provide boxes and encourage you to bring blankets and other items to complete your fort.  We will get into teams and look forward to seeing the creativity of our youth.
 
All:
It is not too late to grab your Fish Banks for One Great Hour of Sharing.  Banks can be found in the Worship Resource Center.
 
The Youth Mission Trip Attendees and Mission Team will be selling spots for our March Madness Bracket Fundraiser.   Up for grabs are 68 spots on the Woman’s bracket and 68 on the Men’s Bracket.  Cost for each spot is $50 and the winner of each bracket will split the pot with us.   This fundraiser helps pay for our chaperones.  Please consider this donation and grab a spot in the tournament.  Sales begin March 1st and team selection is March 16th.  
 
Don’t Forget:
NO SS this week….it is Communion Sunday and Family Breakfast
Intergenerational Faith Formation begins March 8th….  15 minutes after worship to grow our faith together.
Our children will sing in worship on March 15th
Palm Sunday is March 29th
 
Things I am loving right now:
Coffee!  Especially the Peruvian coffee from Pastor John’s Blessed Bean.  Not Today Satan is another good one 🙂  Love his story and the coffee.
These!   I mean…frozen chocolate with fruit and nuts….I am in!!!   
and…more daylight, the promise of warmer temperatures, and fresh sourdough bread!
 
See you Sunday!
 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Today is the day to eat pancakes!  Enjoy the time with your family as you prepare your hearts for Lent.
 
I am attaching an Ash Wednesday devotional.   This is a supplement to the one you received in your Pancake Party bag.  I will be sending one to you weekly that you may find helpful.  You do not need to use the entire document and you don’t need to do it all at once.  Whatever fits your family is what is best.
 
Go ahead and put extra syrup and maybe some whipped cream on your pancakes today.  Have fun!
 
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa

Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Link to Ash Wednesday Devotional
Valentine’s Day is upon us and you may be up to your eyeballs in creating the very best Valentine’s for your child’s classroom, so I will keep this short…
 
Name Tags for All!!   That’s right, we have ordered name tags for all of our children.  You will find them on the lower half of the board (unless they are older and taller and then they are with their family).  Don’t see your name?  It is coming, but I don’t mind a quick email letting me know you didn’t find it.
 
Don’t forget:
Sunday School begins following the Time with Young Disciples again this week.  Pick up in library immediately following worship
 
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party bags will be given out during worship.  There are some bonus items in the bags for your use during Lent.  Have fun on the 17th eating pancakes for dinner!!!!
 
Ash Wednesday is February 18th.  We will be offering an ashes to go service for you from 7am-9am. Stop by on your way to school or work to begin your lenten season with a reminder that from dust we were created and to dust we will return.
 
Just for YOU
 
I am loving this poem from Walt Whitman….may it help you center and remind you to see the miracles all around you.
 
Love your neighbor as yourself!  Yes, you also need to love yourself today.  A little me time anyone?!
 
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Friends,
 
We are already in February and days away from the Super Bowl, days away from the start of the Olympics, and days away from the start of Lent.  Oh, and days away from temperatures that are a wee bit warmer than they have been.  Yippee!
 
Sunday School Update Christian Education met this past Sunday and made the decision to have the children attend Sunday School following the Time with Young Disciples this week and next (February 15th).  We firmly believe that worship is important for our children but wanted a little extra time the next two weeks to dig deeper into just how much God loves each of us because we are ALL God’s children.  If you prefer to have your child(ren) stay in worship, that is great too.  We look forward to them joining us during our regularly scheduled SS on February 22nd.
 
Shrove Tuesday is February 17th which means your family Pancake Party in a bag will be given out on February 15th.  If you know you won’t be in worship on the 15th, please grab your bag from the Worship Resource Center this Sunday.  Bags will have a sticky note with your name on it so please grab appropriately.
 
Super Bowl fun!  Consider celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with a Family Souper Bowl!   Take the kids grocery shopping and have them choose the food that you take together to your local food pantry.  This easy and fun activity makes a huge impact in your community and is definitely needed.
 
Looking for other ways to make an impact in the world?  Check out the bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall.  The confirmation students and mentors have been exploring justice and created posters to share their passion for justice with you.
 
 
Parents…this is for you!
 
Things I am loving right now:
 
The Carpenter’s Son by John Gray.  It is an easy thought provoking read.  If you are a fan of The Shack I think you will like this book too.
 
d365 devotional.  This app proves to be something I can do!  I admit, I love short devotionals but I struggle creating the habit unless it is delivered to my inbox or resides on my phone.  I love to read it while enjoying my first cup of coffee.  I hope you find it worthwhile too!
 
Cooking!  I love to cook and bake (Family Breakfast Club or Sunday Supper anyone?).  This cookbook is a favorite of mine and my family loves all the delicious meals we are enjoying together.  Highly Recommended!  
 
All my best,
 
Raechel Sowa
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Presbyterian Church of Barrington
Breakfast Club this Sunday at 9:15am!
 
We will break bread together at 9:15am and then again in worship! A light meal, great conversation and a chance for your kids to connect in a fun way at church awaits you this Sunday. Join together in Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:15am before heading to worship at 10am.
 
Reminders:
  1. First Sunday so there is no Sunday School. Nursery care is available following the Time with Young Disciples.
  2. We will be helping lead worship by singing with the choir during the offering. Kirsten will teach during Time with Young Disciples
  3. February 7th- MOTH Concert….dinner and concert…sign up outside Fellowship Hall
 
On another note: One of the faith formation leaders I follow, Christie Thomas, sent an email this week about how many of the parents she talks to aren’t uninterested in faith. They’re overwhelmed by it. They care deeply, but they’re just…tired. This really resonated with me and maybe it does you too.
 
Consider this:

Faith formation is not something we control. We don’t manufacture belief, force growth, or single handedly shape our kids’ hearts. God is the one who calls our children. He is already at work in their lives, long before we notice it and even when we feel unsure.

Our role is quieter than we sometimes think.

  • We point our kids toward God in small, ordinary ways. (Breakfast Club?)
  • We show up for them, paying attention to them.
  • We build a few sustainable faith habits so our family has a culture of trusting the Bible and turning to God. (Dinner Table Conversations, Bedtime prayers)
  • We pray.
  • We talk when opportunities arise. (car rides were always great times for my family. captive audience!)
  • And we trust that God is at work in the middle of it all.
Take a few minutes this week to just breathe and listen to the song, Planting Trees by Andrew Peterson. It is based on a poem by Wendall Berry with the same name. It is a good one…
 
Have a great rest of your week and we will see you on Sunday….
 
Raechel
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