¨ In the Gathering Space, one will find the “Families of Faith Resource Center.”  Here there are books, activities, and videos geared toward parents and families of growing children (birth through young adulthood).  These media are meant to empower and support families as they seek to connect with children and youth and to develop and grow faith.  There are many great books, articles, and resources!  Among them, are the ‘Boundaries’ series by Drs. Cloud and Townsend, materials put out by the ELCA press geared toward parenting of different age groups, Youth/Parent newsletters that are free for the taking, and Davey and Goliath videos.  All these resources are meant to be available to all.  Just sign out whatever book or material and return in a few weeks.

¨ Books, videos, games, and other materials are also available to check out and nurture faith at home outside the young children’s Sunday school classrooms.  This is the ‘children’s section’ of the library.  On the shelves, families and young people will find a number of faith-based books, movies, and games to check out and enjoy at home.  For example, did you know that Trinity has over 50 Christian cartoon videos that can be enjoyed at home??  Families and little ones can find more than 20 Veggie Tales, Boz: the green bear of faith, Davey and Goliath, and Chadder’s videos!  Did you also know that the Bearenstein Bears have a faith development series of books?  Come check them out!  These are great, fun ways for kids to learn about faith and life.  And, surprisingly, many are even fun for adults too. J

¨ The Trinity Library is also experiencing a Spring cleaning.  There are SO many great books to challenge, encourage, and empower one in faith.   Come take a peek at the newly organized space and take advantage of the many resources Trinity has to offer!  As with the above, just sign out the materials of interest and return in a few weeks.

¨ Some may also have noticed changes to the Youth service and some new youth programs.  Trinity’s youth service has been a dramatic presentation for Easter in years past, but I am excited to share that new things are happening this year that enable  the service to be more inclusive of Trinity’s youth, their special gifts, and to honor the strain that many of our teens feel in their young and already hectic lives.  This year the youth service will take place on Pentecost Sunday (May 23) and will assume a new shape from what Trinity has become accustomed to in recent times.  All the Confirmation and high school youth will be leading one worship service for the festival of Pentecost.  All the youth have met with me to shape the service and music for worship.  Indeed, they have made all the decisions concerning how worship will unfold.  The students will lead every part of the service; writing prayers, ringing the bell, assisting, preaching, distributing communion and on.  This shape for a youth service provides a number of powerful spiritual and faith-forming opportunities for Trinity’s youth.  This shape allows for the gifts of all—those who like to speak in front of others and those who do not feel comfortable.  This shape also takes into account the realistic forces that demand the time of today’s teen, making it possible to put together a quality presentation and full worship experience.  It is my hope that this youth service will continue to encourage youth to taken on greater roles in the life of the church; leading worship, teaching younger kids, and serving in leadership roles.  It is also my hope that youth services will happen a few times a year, providing opportunities to youth to learn all kinds of worship styles and approaches, while having the chance to try on new roles personally within the services.

¨ As we move into Spring, we begin to look on to summer.  This year we will be using Group publishing’s Vacation Bible School curriculum, ‘High Seas Expedition.’   Yes, Chadders is back!!  We are in the very early stages of planning, but please let me know if you would like to help or take part in VBS this year.

¨ Sunday school Teacher Appreciation Sunday is May 30.  I would like to see Teachers have the day ‘off’ and enjoy a  breakfast celebration with the community during the Sunday school hour.  Please let me know if you would be interested in helping to coordinate the Appreciation Breakfast.

¨ Sunday June 6 is the last day of 2009-2010 Sunday school.  It is good for summer to be a time of rest and renewal for teachers who have served and for those who are interested in serving anew to have time for discernment.  This summer Sunday school will have a number of Sundays that will be a ‘Family Sunday school’ where families will have the opportunity to grow in faith together.  If you have any ideas or hopes for what a summer family Sunday school might look like, please share them with me. J