The exploration of our faith is well underway at First Parish! This is true in so many ways. Sunday mornings have been full of energy and creativity. The children of this church are settling into the Faith Exploration classes. We start in a circle with an invitation to share our joys and sorrows. This time has been one of connection with each other and allows our young ones to practice expressing what is on their hearts while also listening and caring about what rests within another’s heart. Our children then go into a younger and older group for a story and an activity.
One of my goals for these two groups has been for them to name their classes. I was expecting, perhaps hoping, that this task of naming their classes would be a relatively smooth undertaking. However, the matter of asserting identity is alive and rich with these groups. Class names have yet to be decided. Perhaps as we engage with this month’s theme of compassion we will come to a consensus in each group.
Our classes are led by two classroom assistants (Maddy Plesch and Cas Lepera), volunteers, and me. Our volunteers are so important because their presence allows children to get to know our congregation. I encourage grown ups to volunteer with us and support the life of this church. Our classroom assistants are also vital to Sunday mornings. The children connect so well with them, and we truly have something special here at FPW because of Maddy and Cas.
Some exciting faith exploration on the horizon:
- High school aged youth are invited to join our first youth group meeting of the year on Saturday, October 25 at 5 pm. We’ll meet in the sanctuary for about an hour. Youth are then invited to join their families at the Campfire Sing-a-long and Dessert event following the youth group meeting. I’ll be co-facilitating this first gathering along with Rev. Sophia.
- A children’s vespers service will be held downstairs during the vespers service in the sanctuary. This offering will be a space for children to practice contemplative art. The first of these services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Amidst all of this, I want to express a deep gratitude for your welcome as I have settled in. You have offered me the time and space to feel part of this community. And on the other side of my recent visit with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, I am so excited to have more energy to dedicate to our work together.
Thank you,
KYLE
Kyle M. Belmont (he/him)
Director of Faith Exploration