|
Photo from Pixaby (free licence)
As the days begin to lengthen and spring bulbs begin to appear, we leave Epiphany and enter into 'Ordinary time' in the church calendar. As we prepare for Lent, a time of reflection on what Jesus accomplished on the cross and his amazing resurrection, can we think creatively of how we will approach this season? In working with children and their families we have the opportunity to help them reflect and establish formational habits that will last a whole lifetime. We might like to consider the episode recorded in Luke's gospel where Jesus as a twelve year old visited Jerusalem and became separated from his parents.
Luke 2:46-47
Three days later they eventually found him. He was in the Temple, sitting among the teachers of the Law, discussing deep questions with them and amazing everyone with his understanding and answers.
As I reflect on these words, I am struck by the fact that Jesus was sitting among the teachers of the Law. It was usual for those learning (disciples) to sit at the feet of the rabbi teaching them. I'm wondering if the use of the word among suggests that those gathered were learning and being challenged by the child as they discussed the deep questions together. I'm wondering what might we provide to give both adults and children the chance to have these challenging and life changing intergenerational discussions?
If you are working with your local primary school, you may be interested in attending the two Spring webinars we are offering; Collective Worship-A Beginner's Guide and Becoming A School Governor-An Introduction. If they are not of interest to you, perhaps you can share them with others from your church who are working with the local school?
Our next Children and Families Leaders' meeting, Evolve, will be on Monday 21 February at 1.30-3pm on Zoom. If you'd like to join in, email me directly and I'll send you a Zoom invite.
PS: As ever, resources below are denoted in green if they have been offered previously-new resources are in white. Inevitably there will be some 'repeats' from previous years.
|
