Thank you

This is a thank you to caregivers of our churches who use their gifts by pouring their hearts into what they do with children; to the caregivers who answer questions, hold hands, read the Gospel, prepare puppet shows and parties; to those who keep the lamps lit. This is thanksgiving for every congregation that acts on their love for children in different ways: sharing their love by sharing their gifts.

This is a thank you to those who stand with children because they recognize that this is a world of love and risk. A child is blessed when they can retain the love of their birth while they learn to take on the joys and risks of everyday life. This is an appreciation for the caregivers and educators who walk alongside our children in bravery, responding to children’s need and knowing that children will eventually—in some way—reveal the vulnerability of those who want to guide them. This is thanks to those who, through our relationships with children, welcome the vulnerability of Christ into the midst of their churches.

This is an appreciation for the caregivers and educators who walk alongside our children in bravery, responding to childrens’ needs, and knowing that children will eventually—in some way—reveal the vulnerability of those who want to guide them. This is thanks to those who, through their relationships with children, welcome the vulnerability of Christ into the midst of their churches.

As you prepare for the upcoming year with children, may your understanding be filled with the light of the resurrected Christ. May there be that much love in what you do: love that is given to you, and love that comes from you. Thanks to you, the lamp of your church’s commitment to children cannot be extinguished. Never stop.