Pastors E-Letter 7/24/20
So far 2020 has been a very stressful year. There’s been a pandemic, people have lost their jobs, the stock market has had ups and downs, many hard conversations surrounding race are happening, schools are changing their methods of education, and many activities we've looked forward to this summer have been cancelled. There are many reasons for kids to not feel safe and secure.
When parents are going through tough times, kids pick up on it and can become stressed out as well. Fear can come from catching a small glimpse of the news, overhearing conversations between teens or adults, and seeing what their parents post and read on social media. It is common for kids to pick up on these things and become fearful during these crazy times.
Parents and families are a safe place where kids can ask questions, find out what they are thinking, reassure them that you will keep them safe, and let them know there is a great group of people that are working hard to keep everyone safe. Stay positive, use positive words, build up others rather than tearing them down. Empower your child through your actions and displayed emotions. Model the behavior you want to see in your children. Kids will pick up on how you are responding. Make sure you model what you want their response to be as well.
Encourage kids to be proactive. They can encourage other kids who are experiencing fear by talking with them about it. Equip them to be the leaders who can bring about the change that is so desperately needed in these days.
Here at Suntree UMC, we are attempting to be a place of encouragement, normalcy and grace. We have been providing Sunday services, small group meetings and book studies during this time, among other things. And this week, we will be having Vacation Bible School. It won’t look like it does during a typical summer, with hundreds of children, youth, and adults running around the church all week. It will be done virtually through videos and hands-on activities given to families. At Rocky Railway, kids explore Jesus’ power in them and how we can trust Jesus—not our own strength—to pull us through life’s challenges. COVID-19 has come through our lives like a freight train and derailed countless plans, routines, and expectations. This summer, more than ever, the kids in our community need the hope, reassurance, and abundance of God’s love through the unique ministry of VBS.
I pray that you and yours are safe and that you fill your families and friends with grace and peace during this unexpected time in our lives.
Lia Page
Director of Children’s Ministry