What's a parent to do? We've got tips, support, and calm; 9:15am for a new study, 10am for worship

I am SO EXCITED about this Sunday and the new series we are beginning: “Deep Roots: Parenting for the Common Good.” On any given Sunday morning I look out upon a variety of faces of people who share the experience of being a parent, but who are all across the parenting continuum -- parents of young children; parents who have just taken their last kid to college; parents of children long grown; parents of children who are now becoming “parents” to their aging parents. And these faces the full continuum of feelings -- fear, anxiety, exhaustion, success, failure, happiness, and joy. Behind these faces are a diverse variety of parenting philosophies from a hands off approach (“fix your own breakfast that is what cereal is for”) to the “supportive parent” (“Child, I am here to help you navigate the choices you make in life because it is YOUR life”) to the “hovering parent” ("I will call you and wake you up so you can make it to your morning college class") to the “snowplow parent” (e.g. celebrity parents who bribe their child’s admission into prestigious colleges). Thanks to Amy, known as the Ishgirl, for this image with its delightful caption: “Move over helicopter there is a new snowplow in town.” (If you are a parent of a teenager, check out her podcast: “Connection, Not Perfection.” )

Regardless of where you are on the parenting continuum, I believe there is something this Sunday that you will find of value whatever parenting state you are in and wherever you may be in your journey of faith. We will gather around a whimsical vignette of the parenting stages, hear a wonderful mashup of parenthood songs that Nate has composed, hear a deeply moving parenting story from one of our new members. We will turn to the famous story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) and I will share a reflection called “I’m Pretty Sure God Isn’t a Helicopter Parent.” Be sure to scroll down to look at the new Parables of Parenting study Lindsey is launching this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Folks, parenting is a joy. But let’s be real: it is hard. Why go it alone? Come, gather around the larger family table and be supported and get some tips.

This Sunday as we begin our series on parenting, Nate has prepared a mashup of songs about parenting that he will present with Nora and the praise band instrumentalists. The choir will also join us in worship, singing the beautiful anthem “The Road Home”. Join us on Sunday for John’s words and some inspired music!