Biblical Exegesis Fourth Grade Style
Yesterday was my last day of teaching Sunday School in Boulder. I cried like a baby at the end of the hour. Let me explain. I have been involved in Children and Family Ministry in various forms and at various levels for 25 years, most of them at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, a PCUSA congregation. This summer, I will begin attending an EPC church, most likely Cherry Hills Community Church or Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church.
While I am satisfied with First Pres Boulder and the capable leaderhip there, I am disatisfied with some of the changes that are occurring within the denomination at the national level. This is a BIG deal for me. I have never belonged to a non-PCUSA church. My beloved Grandpa was a founding member of a PCUSA congregation in Elmhurst, IL. He served as an elder. Joan, whom Grandpa married roughly a decade after Grandma Evie died of cancer, served a term as deacon.
I do not cry easily. United Airlines commercials (really), the last episode of the television show ER, when they removed the Marshall Fields' logos from the sides of the stores when Macy's invaded Illinois (I was home for a family gathering that weekend), and my last day of Sunday School in Boulder. These are a few of the things that move me to tears. When the Cubs win the World Series. . . I digress.
My church family means the WORLD to me. These are the people I want accompanying me on a surgical adventure or when I am stranded on the proverbial desert island. These are the people for whom I will gladly scrub tables (lots of little laminate tables), organize supply closets, stand in line at FedEx Office in the wee hours (back when it was called Kinko's and I had no printer at home), bake bread, and make homemade chicken soup. I've even transported a musical instrument to Nairobi.
I've SO LOVED sharing God's Word with God's Kids in Boulder. Those of you who haven't been involved in Children and Family Ministry simply don't know what you are missing. It's so much fun and, at times, it is quite the challenge. If you can engage 20 four year-olds in a Bible Story for 10-15 minutes, you can teach just about anyone. With fourth graders, get yourself a whistle.
Marti Harris and Mark Matheson - Two of the Best 4th Grade Teachers Ever
My dear Susan...I know this was a hard day. You have quite obviously given so much to this church and I'm sure it's heartbreaking when on a massive, National level, you must sever connection based on Biblical mandates. You have invested so much and I know those children will remember. Hopefully you won't lose touch with some of your closer member/friends. Dennis and I have (11) 3 - 5 yr-olds Sunday and we were running!!! How did you handle 20!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you
Susan, It was truly a joy teaching with you this year, and I will miss you greatly! You brought fresh ideas and viewpoints into our classroom, and your heart is as big as all outdoors. Where ever you end up they will be lucky to have your spirit as a part of their congregation. May you be blessed through this change.
ReplyDeleteWith love from your friend always, Mark