This week, the church and campus were alive with the sound of children’s voices as we held our second annual children’s summer camp. Children’s camp is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It stretches me outside of my normal routine, and I am forced to speak about God and Jesus without hiding behind obtuse theological language. I am encouraged to move out of my head and into my heart and to connect with the hearts of young people on their individual journeys of faith.
We began each day with Morning Prayer in the church at 9 a.m., which is our usual custom at Good Shepherd. I admit to initially wondering whether this would work with children from ages five through eleven, but it did. Some children enjoyed getting the Angelus bell started. Others read lessons. And no one rushed the pause at the asterisk in the middle of the psalm verses, which is frequently difficult for adults! In full disclosure, we did slightly simplify the Office, with one reading and canticle, but otherwise, it was more or less straight up Morning Prayer from the prayer book. I think it is important for children to encounter our normal “adult” liturgy from an early age. Children are so much more sophisticated than we often give them credit for.
Our theme this week was “Saints and Holy Helpers.” Each day, we heard stories of different saints from all over the world and from across the centuries of the Church. Particularly compelling were the stories of St. Augustine of Hippo (known affectionately among the children as “Hippo”) and St. Paul. As one child put it, those stories teach us that with God’s help, we always have a chance to move from “bad” to “good.” God uses the most unlikely candidates to advance his message of good news. And what good news that is to all of us, sinners and fragile human beings.
I always love the art projects that Gail McCown does with the children. Most of this week’s projects were tied to saints. Children made “islands” fit for more than just “one man,” for as John Donne said, “no man is an island entire of itself.” We saw images of Julian of Norwich’s cat. Sarah Austen led songs each day and helped with musical games. Heidi Kolberg assisted the children with projects and guided campers as they made cookies on one day. All our service projects this week were intended to support our parish’s new ministry, the Rosemont Community Retreat House. Children helped (partially) assemble a new bed on the third floor. They made cookie dough to freeze for future guests in the house. They compiled guestbooks for the rooms. Children also painted crosses to adorn the rooms in the new retreat house. They decorated coasters and placemats, too.
On Thursday, there was much sidewalk chalk art, including some heartwarming messages to people who routinely stop in the church to pray. This week, I felt a palpable energy on campus. Not only were our doors open, as they are daily, but the children’s presence and their artistic messages on the sidewalk to the local community made me feel a stronger connection between church and neighborhood. Take note of this artwork on Sunday when you come to Mass (unless it rains!).
I am grateful to all who helped with camp, and especially to the parents who entrusted their children to our care for this week. Good Shepherd is far richer for the presence of children among us. They serve at the altar and read lessons for Mass. All ages are integrated into the worship of God, as well as in service to the local community, which was evidenced this past week. May God send us more children to grow and be nourished in the faith here, and may we always be open to the wisdom that even the very youngest can share with us, helping us to know Jesus in new ways.
Yours in Christ,
Father Kyle