Dear First Church Friends,
First Day of Kindergarten
Next week Amauri and I will send our daughter off to Kindergarten. I have found myself feeling a bit emotional about it. She is not. She has her new backpack, lunchbox and crayons. The uniforms are purchased and she assures me she is ready for "big girl school."
Some years ago now a book was published titled, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. I was thinking about it recently because if this is true, our daughter is in for a big year. ALL she needs to learn she will learn next year in Kindergarten? Wow, I can hardly wait myself!
The author of the book, Robert Fulghum, used essays about powerful childhood moments to illustrate the impact these experiences have on our lives. It is in these early years that we learn how to share and to play nicely with others. We learn the value of listening to our elders and we also learn how to make mistakes. Without a doubt, our daughter will learn these lessons and more during her school years.
However, we all know that learning does not end with Kindergarten. We are greatly impacted by childhood experiences yet we also seek to be a people in constant movement of mind, thought and activity. The world is full of opportunities to learn, grow and change, even in the most unlikely places. And, of course, it may be through our words and actions that we influence a little school child during those important, formative years.
I believe being a part of a faith community is one of the best ways to participate in lifelong learning. Our weekly worship is an opportunity to learn about our history and how to apply its lessons to everyday life. We learn about people who are vastly different from us and see God at work in their lives, and our own. We participate with the young and old alike in this learning as we pray, sing and fellowship together.
As we enter the book of Exodus this week and begin to journey with the people of Israel as they prepare to escape slavery, we remember the many lessons learned on that journey. Lessons like how to rely on God and how to trust one another. Lessons in patience, humility, perseverance and integrity. I invite you to come "back to school" as we seek to continue our learning and growth as God’s people.
Coming Up
We look forward to this transition in seasons with an entrance into the book of Exodus and what will become a journey of learning for the ancient Israelites, and us! Join us in worship over the next several weeks as we take a look at God’s journey with the people, including a special service of worship on Sunday, September 11 as we pray for an end to terror, violence and fear around the world.
Happy New Year Event for Youth and Children: On Sunday, August 28 at 9:30 a.m. we will celebrate with our young people the beginning of a new school year. All are invited to join in the fun with games, refreshments and a celebration of their advancement into a new grade.
God be with you and see you in worship!
Pastor Cynthia
Dr. Cynthia Weems, Pastor
First United Methodist Church of Miami
Experience L.I.F.E. Downtown
Living, Inclusive, Faithful, Emerging
www.fumcmiami.com
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