By Bishop Ann Svennungsen
Growing up at St. Luke’s Lutheran, my friends and I always knew which adults were “in our corner.” Alice who laughed at our silly antics. Dave who listened to our stories, our hurt feelings, our questions. Even more, I suppose, we knew which adults weren’t so enamored with the way we behaved.
I sometimes wonder if a question churches might use for self-assessment could read: “How many adults in your church would kids say are “in their corner”? Can they name at least one?
“It’s hard not to wonder if children will resist leaving the comfort of pajamas, snacks, and watching worship from their living room couch.”
As we prepare for Rally Sunday, even with all the uncertainties about in-person Sunday School and Youth Group, I believe it’s especially important for the church to be in our children’s corner.
A recent UNICEF report concludes: “If we are to prevent COVID-19 from having a life-altering impact on an entire generation of children and young people, especially the most marginalized, we must ensure that schools are among the first places to reopen and the last to close.”
MY GRANDDAUGHTER SPENT spent much of kindergarten learning online. Now, in first grade, she’s in a new, Spanish immersion classroom learning to read in a language neither of her parents speak. I cannot imagine learning to read in front of a screen with no other Spanish speakers around. I join with UNICEF in asking: How can we ensure that the schools around us are “the first places to reopen and the last to close?”
Last week, I heard Michael Osterholm recommend that school children wear N95 masks and go to classrooms equipped with portable HEPA air filter machines (exchanging the air at least five to six times an hour). I also heard him mention using homemade air purifiers if needed (made with a box fan, HEPA filters, and duct tape).
What if the Minneapolis Area Synod congregations partnered with nearby schools to provide such purifiers (homemade or otherwise)? Maybe this could be a “God’s Work Our Hands” project? Or, what if those with Thrivent insurance make a point to apply for the $250 gifts cards – and use them to host a church party for making DIY air purifiers?
“As we prepare for Rally Sunday, even with all the uncertainties about in-person Sunday School and Youth Group, I believe it’s especially important for the church to be in our children’s corner.”
And what about worship and Sunday School? It’s hard not to wonder if children will resist leaving the comfort of pajamas, snacks, and watching worship from their living room couch. How will they feel about returning to in-person worship and Sunday school? To be sure, their interest will be much higher if they’re greeted by adults who smile and greet them and make them feel at home.
Please know you are in my prayers as you prepare for Rally Sunday amidst this continuing pandemic. I pray for all of us who lead and teach — that God will give us courage and wisdom to welcome children as Jesus did. And, to find creative ways to show that we’re standing in their corner.