So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.

~Galatians 6:10

Snapshots of a Supportive Church Community

As anyone with a kid knows, May speeds by, full of dance recitals, school performances, and, later, AP exams and finals. My family is in that season now, speeding this year towards the graduation of our younger daughter. As she takes her AP exams, I’ve been preparing for graduation, going through photos, picking some representative ones from each stage. What has struck me is how many of those pictures catch not just a fun freeze-frame of a moment in my daughters’ lives, but really provide a snapshot of the importance of our church community.

A video of kindergarten Mary looking nervous singing “Child of the Light” in church catches Cina bending down in front of her, smiling and encouraging her, as Ed matches her young voice on the piano and the choir members smile at her from the choir loft.

A photo of Alyssa and other grinning kids chasing Pastor Paul with pool noodles, joyful camaraderie carefully organized by numerous adult volunteers.

A photo of 8-year-old Mary sitting at a family camp table playing games with a group of adults and teenagers reminds me of how touching it was to watch her walk into the dining hall and just sit down at that table, apart from her dad and me, confident she would be welcomed.

A photo of 10-year-old Alyssa standing on the cliff at Blue Hole reminds me how kind the other kids, teenagers, and adults were, waiting patiently for her to get up her nerve to jump.

As they got older, there are fewer photos, but just as many memories of ways the church has supported our girls. I think about how Laura and Kay wrapped middle- and high-school Alyssa into the Children and Family committee, really listening and valuing her ideas; how Mary Len wrapped Mary into helping with children’s music, incorporating her interest in sign language; the time when, as I was about to drop high-school Mary off at youth group, she realized that everyone else showing up that week were middle-school boys, but decided she would go anyway so she could "hang out with Peggy and Shelley.” And of course, just watching before and after services when so many adults engage both girls, wanting to hear about their plans and how things are going.

What stands out is how, over the years, this church community has modeled for our kids, and all the others in our church, kindness and caring. You have demonstrated what it looks like when adults invest their time and energy in things that matter. You have prepared spaces for learning and growth. You have modeled valuing others for who they are, whether or not they conform to some pre-conceived societal standard.

A few weeks ago, Izzy said this when talking about confirmation Sunday: “Our confirmands are not just the future of the church; they are part of the church right now. Their voices matter.”

Chris and I are so thankful to be a part of a church community that treats everyone – young children, teenagers, and adults – as people who matter. As we celebrate the hard work of our graduates on Graduation Sunday, know that we are also celebrating the church community that has provided a safe and encouraging space for them as they grew towards this moment in their lives. Thanks to each and every one of you for your part in that.