2021 Introduction to Light a Candle with Children - Lisa Engelken

Introduction 

The 2021 Children’s Sabbath, “Where Does It Hurt?” Listening to Heal Our Children, is encouraging Communities of faith to take action. Where can we start? Listen. Here is the best action that is the start of true social change. Children’s Defense Fund shares, “Why Listen? Listening is the heartbeat of movement building If we want to create social change, we have to stop talking, open our hearts, and listen without judgment or assumptions. When we listen, hear, and respond, our efforts to improve parent-school and student-school relations are organic and grassroots in nature. We move away from becoming “advocates” (literally “those who speak for”) and support families as they take their power, own their experiences and needs, find their voices, and take collective action to make the changes they want to see for their community’s children and youth. With Family Suppers, participants gather in the name of success for all students. Together, participants can see their value as individuals as well as the influence they can have in the school system if they work together, support each other, and advocate collectively for what they believe their children need.”

Many churches in our denomination have Children Worship & Wonder. This experience of God is a place where we can start in this listening practice. This year’s devotions are ways you can experience a little of what happens each Sunday morning with children. It will be in three parts: 1) You will read the story, 2) you will watch the story, and 3) you we hear reflections from the Children Worship & Wonder Trainers. As you work through the stories take time to reconnect with your inner child and wonder each day,

I wonder what is the most important part of this story?

I wonder where you are in this story?

I wonder how this story helps us listen to children?

We would like to hear your responses if you are willing to share. Please send to Light A Candle Facebook at facebook.com/LightaCandleforChildren.

Join us this year to listen first so we know where to heal.

Grace and Peace,

Lisa Engelken

Rev. Lisa Engelken

Minister for Children Worship & Wonder