March 4
Beloved families of Good Shepherd,
Peace be with you! Every Wednesday morning I have the great privilege of leading chapel time with our four-year-old and kindergarten students at Good Shepherd Day School. This morning I started our chapel time with the following question: “I am curious, in what ways might you be feeling the presence of God in your life today?” One four-year-old student touched his heart and said, “I feel the presence of God in everything, but especially in my heart and when I am drinking water. God makes me feel happy and safe.”
In this Sunday’s appointed reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well that he is the Source of the “living water” which can satisfy her spiritual thirst forever. As we drink the living water Jesus offers, it will become in us “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”
My chaplaincy work with children teaches me that children are spiritually thirsty for the living waters of Jesus. Children come into the world already in relationship with God, and yet they still crave the religious language and spiritual space to deepen their life of faith. The holy work of parents, caregivers, and ministers is to learn the art of accompanying their children spiritually. In her essay, “What is it Like to Accompany Children Spiritually”, author Terra McDaniel writes, “accompanying children is less about imparting knowledge and more about fostering a space where they can discover their faith and their own beautiful souls in a nurturing environment. As spiritual companions, we help them cultivate their awareness of God, allowing them room to explore, wonder, and be curious about the Divine.” To read Terra McDaniel’s full essay, click HERE.
This Sunday is “Music Sunday” during our 10 am children’s chapel. Our Good Shepherd Music School teachers will teach our children the songs “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “This Little Light of Mine”. After chapel, children are invited to sing at the chancel steps before returning to their parents!
We hope to see you this Sunday!
Many Blessings,
Patty