Generational Community

I don't remember where I read it but it stuck with me as something worth remembering.  An author commented that the church is one of the last places on earth where multiple generations of people gather together and interact in a meaningful way.  One of the extraordinary aspects of our life together at TLC (and at other churches as well) is how the generations mix with one another each and every week.  The adults look for the kids, the kids run to and embrace the adults-- and you know what?  Everyone benefits!  

At Christmas time the Sunday School children and youth were preparing their annual offering for the faith community and this year we decided to go back to an old tradition of having the program in the evening.  We invited the whole church to come because we wanted to honor their faith and the commitment they had made and followed through with in regard to the promises made at each child's baptism.  I was never so delighted as I was that night. . . to see folks return to support the children as they played hand bells, sing and present the Christmas story.  People who don't have children or grandchildren in the church came back that night to support OUR kids.  Many said it was the best program we ever had; not because it was perfect certainly, but because everyone was there loving and supporting each other in their endeavors.

What a delight to see the kids gravitate to adults of all ages!  They have so much to learn from our oldest generation and our older folks LOVE to spend time with the younger people of the church.  Lives are enriched as the generations mix and mingle as equals, offering to one another the love of Christ.

We don't have to separate out our "youth" and "children" into special groups so as to make it look like we have special programming just for them.  They are a vital, integral, key part of the church just as our seasoned disciples who are now in their nineties (and everyone in between).  You cannot find that range of relationships anywhere anymore it seems.  Grandparents are often separated from their grandchildren by distance as families have become increasingly mobile.  But there is an untapped resource right under our noses and we have to ask ourselves if we have done a good enough job connecting the generations to one another.

If you are parent who is reading this, think about whether or not your child has another adult in their life who takes a vested interest in their life.  If not, who in your congregation can be that person for your child?  Seek them out.  Ask them to be in your child's life.  Notice who your child is attracted to and help foster that relationship.  Kids need other adults in their lives to help them see how special and valuable they are!   They don't always believe us as parents when we say how amazing they are; they respond, "You're my mom, you have to say that."  But when it comes from another source, a person of faith, a person of character, a person who deeply cares. . . well then that makes a huge impact.

What a gift the church is for us. . . not only do we meet Christ there but we are surrounded by loving people who want the best for us, who encourage us to be all that God has in mind for us to be!  We are surrounded by people who actually see us and can mirror back to us our value in Christ.  So disciples, look around!  Be that person for someone else. . . and find that person for your child.  Everyone will benefit!