MANY VOICES, MULTIPLE LANGUAGES AND MERRY MEMORIES
Pentecost is Sunday, May 19th. During both worship services we will recall the birth of the church in which many people who spoke many different languages were able to hear and understand each other because of the presence of the Holy Spirit. While some mistook the utterances to be the result of inebriation, Peter explained the event as the fulfilment of the prophecy from the book of Joel. Many years ago, Robert Fulgham published a book entitled “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” The book extolled the basic virtues for living that often seem to be most clear to those who are the youngest among us. These lessons are usually taught by teachers who are sometimes underappreciated because the importance of the education of young children is often underestimated. During the worship services Sunday morning, we will celebrate the service of the Merry Sunshine Preschool (MSP) teachers and the tremendous legacy of MSP since its founding by Betty Dahlberg. Sarah Fritch, the current director of MSP, will provide an overview of this critical ministry of the church.
In addition to the current MSP teachers, parents of the current students and all alums of MSP are also encouraged to attend one of the worship services. Most of us are able to recall, quite fondly, the lessons that we’ve learned over the years from our preschool teachers, Sunday school teachers and other key adults who have been a part of our lives. The simplest of lessons become emblematic of the spiritual formation that continues to emerge as long as we live. From the songs that reveal the breadth of God’s love to the anthems that declare the mystery of the Trinity, we find strength, clarity and courage. Parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents help us to treasure the power of these experiences through the photographs, clippings, clay art, drawings and other unique creations from our earliest stages of spiritual, social and moral development.
Previously, many churches sponsored preschools to help provide childcare and socialization for working families. These preschools increased the church’s contact with young children and young families. These schools also helped introduce children to an expansive network of friends and families who may have spoken other languages and who had traveled different journeys. As a result of these experiences, children became more aware of the various expressions and manifestations of God’s love and wisdom. The legacy and scope of MSP continues to grow and expand. Similarly, our understanding and appreciation of Pentecost helps us to embrace the flame of God that still burns within.
We are looking forward to seeing you in worship and in Sunday school.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
