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The gift of delight in seeing one of our toddlers start walking and exploring the nursery and church in a new and different way. His face full of wonder, fun, and pride is a gift for those who encounter him and his newly found independence. The gift of welcoming and inclusion. Two young girls wanted to sit next to me in their RE class and even after I said I had to go visit another class, they insisted they sit with me. How welcoming and inclusive of them! Swaying with them to Enter, Rejoice, and Come In, one of their in-gathering songs, was a simple, yet precious gift. The gift of community and creativity. I participated in the Empty Bowl Project in mid-November and admired the skill and focus of children, youth, and adults working together to support a worthy project. The gift of sharing time, laughter and giving. Several of the RE classes decided to raise money for Heifer International through a bake sale. With the money they made they may purchase honeybees, or a flock of ducks, or a water buffalo—any of which go to families in need. The gift of conversation. I usually chat with nursery care providers once or twice on Sunday mornings. Engaging in lighthearted conversation with these youth warms my heart and allows me to glimpse a small part of their lives. The gift of commitment—I am privileged to witness the dedication and commitment of the RE teachers/advisors Sunday after Sunday. Time, resources, patience, and mentoring are necessary when volunteering with children and youth and I’m glad to be involved with our present teachers and advisors. No doubt there are many more gifts I’m receiving without always noticing. Gifts of friendly advice, support, caring, hope, guidance, good-humor, constructive criticism, challenges, and compassion. Thank you for all these gifts and for the opportunity to work and play with you in this congregation. Attentiveness is the rarest and purest form of human generosity. – Simon Wild Dates to Remember December 20: Stories for the season, all-congregation service (no RE classes, families sit together). Join Rev. John, myself, and the Schultz family to hear stories of the season of light and the promise of peace and hope. December 21: The solstice celebration will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot and Hearth Room. Children can participate in the spiral walk, a quiet ritual acknowledging the longest night and welcoming the return of light. Teens, adults, and older children can then participate in a ritual of burning our regrets from the passing year and our wishes for the New Year. Everyone can then gather in the Hearth Room for refreshments, drumming, and chanting. December 24: Christmas Eve services—There will be two services, one a traditional one and the other a family service. December 27: No RE classes, childcare will be available. January 3: No RE classes, childcare will be available January 10: “RE Switch.” All RE classes, except YRUU, will meet from 10-11 a.m. Have a lovely holiday season and see you on Sundays, Benette Sherman |
The Gifting Season
The gifting season—How enriching it is for me to watch the interaction of the religious education teachers, youth advisors, and nursery care providers with the children and youth. Here are gifts I received without the gift givers even knowing.
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