Update from Rev. Francesca Fortunato, Children and Youth Ministry Leader

On May 13th, we read Luke 24:44-53.  This was the story of the ascension, and Jesus asking the disciples to share the stories and teachings that they had received from Jesus. We talked about the disciples as teachers and story-tellers, carrying the teachings of, and stories about, Jesus, into the world. We then wrote our own story about Jesus and the first disciples, imagining what they would do and say, if they visited us at school. (In the story that emerged, Jesus and the disciples comforted children who were sad because they were lonely, or had lost a game. They also showed bullies how to stop hurting other children, make peace, and be friends).

On May 20th, Pentecost Sunday, we will read Acts 2, and discuss the gifts that were given to the communities of Jesus’ followers on that day (especially the gift of tongues, which made it possible for people with many different languages to understand each other and pray together). We will also talk about the tradition of viewing Pentecost as “the birthday of the church,” and why it’s so wonderful to celebrate  the fact that we are church.  For our creative response, we will make necklaces and bracelets using beads and string in the Pentecost flame colors, to wear, and to give to others, as an expression of joy in the presence of the Holy Spirit.