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Hello parents,
Today I want to share what I think may be the best piece I've ever read on teaching kids about work. Maybe this seems like odd timing, since just last week I sent some articles that outline the loss of jobs many of our students are experiencing right along with adults this summer. Nevertheless, you as parents have the opportunity to help form in your students a right view of work--what this author calls "grace-filled grit"-- so that they will become neither slackers nor slaves. I confess that this is a fine line for me personally, as my family has a long history of workaholism. It can be difficult for us as adults to balance a strong work ethic with a trusting rest in God--but I hope this article will encourage you in that pursuit as you seek to pass on healthy, Christ-centered habits to your teenagers.
In our high school study in Exodus this school year, we talked a lot about Pharaoh's system of endless productivity where there was never Sabbath (Exodus 5). When God drew Israel into the wilderness, it was to form them as a people who would rightly worship Him. Whereas Pharaoh had demanded constant labor with no rest, Yahweh invited them into regular rhythms of rest and worship. He gave them good work to do, but He also provided for all their needs so that they could rest (Exodus 16). In this way, Israel denounced their slavery to Pharaoh, but also to his lesser gods of wealth, prestige, and power. We spoke with students often about how in an odd way, the stay-at-home order has freed us from a system of endless productivity (constant academic, athletic/arts, and social pressure) into new rhythms of rest and worship.
I pray that as you model rhythms of work and rest at home, as you give your students chores to do, and as you calibrate expectations for the summer, you will train them up to value excellence and grit in their work--but also to know deep down that their work can never define them. No task or performance can help them to make a name for themselves. Their place with God is secure on the basis of Jesus' performance and their trust in him. Christ has already finished THE WORK on the cross for them, and for you.
In him,
Chelsea
p.s. If you want to wrestle with this idea of work and rest a bit more, I highly recommend this sermon by Tim Keller on Faith and Work. Keller has lots of great resources on the topic, including his book Every Good Endeavor, which we use as a framework to teach on work in a High School Sunday School series every four years.
Chelsea Erickson, Pastor of Youth and Families
ckerickson@fcchamilton.org
978-468-1940
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REGISTER FOR UPCOMING EVENTS TODAY!
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- Explore for Middle Schoolers--Register by June 30 to guarantee your student's t-shirt size!
Although COVID-19 means we're not able to offer our usual line-up of high-energy offsite activities at Explore this summer, I am very excited to invite you to an adapted Explore program, running concurrently with VBS from July 13-17 with a daily drive-through at 10:00 a.m. Register here!
Each day we'll offer online videos and printed/downloadable activities targeted for middle schoolers. We hope to engage our middle school students in content and activities that will help them connect with others virtually and grow in their faith. Students and parents are invited to join the drive-through each morning for in-person interaction and to collect the day's materials! (We would love to see you, but if you can't make it, no problem--we will provide the materials another way.)
The overall program is for PreSchool through students entering Grade 8. Registration is FREE. You must Pre-Register no later than Tuesday, July 30 to guarantee a t-shirt, given out on the first day. I hope your students will plan to join us! And I look forward to growing with them in this new format.
- Summer Small Groups for Middle and High Schoolers--please register by July 5!
We are thrilled to be able to gather with middle and high school students outdoors in small groups this summer! Groups will meet for six weeks, beginning the week of July 6 and wrapping up during the second week of August. We’ll be studying Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, as well as playing ice breakers and just catching up with one another. In order to participate, students must register for small groups online and have a 2019-2020 Youth Waiver on file. Most groups are slated to meet from 5:00-6:00 p.m. or from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings on one of the church lawns, but we will be in touch with your group’s exact time and location once the rosters are established. Please register no later than July 5 to secure your spot.
Masks and social distancing of at least 6 feet will be required for all participants. Protocols and procedures will be provided to all parents and students prior to the first meeting.
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COUNSELING RESOURCES
FOR TEENAGERS
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With all of the fear, anxiety, isolation, and disappointment surrounding us at the moment, many students could benefit from speaking with a Christian counselor.
Here is a list of licensed professional counselors and other mental health professionals specializing in adolescents who are currently accepting new patients via telehealth. Please contact me if you'd like to speak about a referral for you or your student. I'd also be very glad for any opportunity to hear from you about how your student is doing and how our team can support him or her.
1A Wellness
978-307-2010 extension 1
The patient coordinator can direct you to adolescent resources.
Dr. Kristina Harter (founder) is a great resource for parents needing counseling services
Joel Brunner
(978)-801-1914
Laura DiChiappari
(617)-999-9984
Jamie Nazareth
*She is available to see new patients during the COVID-19 crisis, but her hours will be limited after the summer months.
(978)-774-6820
Quadra Counseling
All practitioners are Christians. Call to speak with Clinical Director Cynthia Fisher, and she will connect you to an appropriate counselor within the practice.
(978) 524-4889
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