Just like the new year, September always feels like a fresh start! It's the same for ResKids - we wrapped up our summer series that focused on spiritual habits and soon we'll be picking up where we left off in the Gospel Project curriculum.
Before we jump back into the Gospel Project, we're spending September learning about belonging and community. This year, both at ResKids and Ignite, our theme is Belong, Believe and Become.
Belong
We want ResKids to be a relational ministry where everyone feels connected. Each child knows that they belong to God, and to our church community.
Believe
We want ResKids to be rooted in the truth of God's Word and the power of the Gospel.
Become
We want to give ResKIDS the tools to live out their faith in their everyday life.
While these ideas are certainly not new (I borrowed the concept from Child Discipleship), it's no surprise that children need a sense of belonging to learn and grow at church. It's in a safe place of community where they can learn about, work through and apply their faith - a place where they can come with their thanksgiving, prayers, questions and doubts.
To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how we're going to get there... but if we do, it's something that we'll do with lots of prayer, and with all of us together.
Ange put together a list of great resources to get you thinking about belonging, identity and inclusivity and I'm going to add one more. Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff is a great book for kids that can be used as a family devotional. I've read this with my kids and I also use it at ResKids.
Resources
"Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self..." Cornell University
At ResKids, it is our hope for every person to feel safe, supported and accepted, regardless if they are a child, parent or volunteer. Even more so, it is our greatest desire to partner with families to help each child find their identity and place in God's family. Below are a few resources for both parents and volunteers that we hope will help you in this journey:
Articles:
Defining Identity
3 Steps to Help Kids Discover their Identity in Jesus
How to Help Kids Understand All that they Have Access to With Identity in God
Books:
We Believe by Danielle Hitchen (Community)
I Know Who I Am by Ms.Dorena Williamson (Identity & Community)
Your Brave Song by Ann Voskamp (Identity)
Scoot Over And Make Some Room by Heather Avis (Inclusivity)
Wonderful by Stephen Kendrick (Identity)
Creative God, Colorful Us by Trillia J. Newbell (Inclusivity)