A Note From Rev. Lee
A few years ago we started a new tradition at WellSprings: all of our Sunday services in May are “all-ages” services. That means instead of heading off to YouthSpirit, our younger friends stay with the adults for the whole morning – and together, we create a worship experience that is more participatory, engaging, and accessible to our friends at every age and stage of life.
This May, we are hoping to create as many opportunities as possible for younger WellSpringers to participate, on these Sundays – so in an effort to coordinate their interests with their parents’ schedules… we’ve created a sign-up sheet that families can access here. This is open to both children and teens, and there are lots of different ways to participate: light the chalice, greet at the door, share a song, write and read a short reflection, and more. Families, if your child would like to participate, we ask that you sign up for the Sundays you’re interested in no later than Monday, April 15th.
As I mentioned during our Easter service, every single one of us is a “former child” – and, all of our congregation’s children are “future adults,” too. Each of us shapes the world that today’s children grow up in… and in our congregation, we have an even greater opportunity: to shape one of the actual communities in which our own, our friends’, and our neighbors’ children are raised. So many parents tell me that they come to WellSprings because they want their children to be surrounded by loving adults outside of their family, who will reinforce their family’s values beyond the walls of home – and, who will support and care for them, as they grow. Our May message series is just one opportunity to do that – for all of us to share in worship together, to learn from each other across the generations, and to show our children (“future adults,” remember?) what it looks like when we truly welcome each other into beloved community.
So… during our May services, all you “former children” may be invited to do things you haven’t done in a while… to hear stories, or engage with hands-on activities; to listen closely to quiet, nervous voices; or to join in loud, boisterous laughter and play. In the process, you will get to meet some of the coolest people at WellSprings (our kids), and I hope you won’t pass up that opportunity.
Our theme for this year’s all-ages series is “Books Set Free,” and each week’s service will be centered around a children’s book that has been either challenged or successfully banned during the past few years, in a public library or school district in our country. You can read more about the series theme, and the list of books we’ll be sharing, below:
Books Set Free
The books that surround us in childhood give us windows into other worlds – or reflections of our own. City kids learn about small town life. Tweens begin to imagine their future careers. Teenagers growing up in tough situations learn what healthy love can look like. With access to books, every kind of kid can find a story that helps them feel less alone. In our all-ages series this May, we’ll set banned books free – celebrating the value and truth to be found, in every human story.
May 5 – The Family Book by Todd Parr
preacher: Josie Waldman
May 12 – Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
preacher: Nick Sanchez
May 19 – The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
preacher: Rev. Lee Paczulla
May 26 – When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
preacher: Rev. Lee Paczulla
Thank you all for taking the time to think about how you might want to participate in – or just show up and enjoy – our all-ages series this Spring. For our younger friends and their families, a reminder that if you plan to sign up, please do so by Monday, April 15th, so we have time to connect with you and make plans for your service!
Take care,
Rev. Lee