News: March 13, 2026
Dear members and friends,
Isn't it a beautiful thing that spiritual nourishment looks different for everyone? Sunday morning worship, community events, one-on-one conversations with loved ones, and spending time in nature can help us live our fullest and most holy lives. On Saturday, mine looked like kites on a windy day, a homemade flower crown, and a grill master with a satirical apron with words that proclaimed he knew what he was doing because he watched a YouTube video. Last Saturday's 2nd Annual Stewardship Church Picnic was a perfect picture of intergenerational community, and I have such gratitude for those who worked hard to make it happen.
As a religious educator, I can spot what it looks like when someone is experiencing spiritual growth and wholeness. It doesn't just happen during the service. In my profession, there is a growing number of religious educators that pose the following question: "what if church is no longer just Sunday morning service?" This question makes me thrilled and terrified! My thrilled brain says "wow, what an invitation to be creative!" and my terrified brain says "oh no, what do I do with that question as a religious educator?!"
Luckily, it's not all on me, nor am I the only person putting this question into action for children and youth. As I mentioned earlier, the Stewardship Team led the Church Picnic toward success, our Animal Ministry led the children and youth in bagging animal food for pets of people utilizing Meals on Wheels, and next Sunday the 22nd, Houston Greenfaith is going to put on their Protest Song Workshops, one for adults, and one for children and youth, as an opportunity to participate safely in civic engagement.
Additionally, this Sunday during the Time for All Ages, we have a couple of kids who are going to talk about their project for FotoFest, where the 2nd-5th grade class have been discussing the concept of "Third Places". Part of their project is a photo of their Third Place, somewhere other than home or school where they spend time and feel safe. The other part is a photo of that place. Every person deserves to feel safe, and to have a Third Place where they can show up as their whole selves, which is something I feel is an undercurrent in Diana Matar's "My America", now on display in the Sanctuary. The children's art will be on display in the Sanctuary foyer during FotoFest, and I encourage you to go take a look at where the children and youth in our community feel that spiritual nourishment.
Peace,
Kinsey
Isn't it a beautiful thing that spiritual nourishment looks different for everyone? Sunday morning worship, community events, one-on-one conversations with loved ones, and spending time in nature can help us live our fullest and most holy lives. On Saturday, mine looked like kites on a windy day, a homemade flower crown, and a grill master with a satirical apron with words that proclaimed he knew what he was doing because he watched a YouTube video. Last Saturday's 2nd Annual Stewardship Church Picnic was a perfect picture of intergenerational community, and I have such gratitude for those who worked hard to make it happen.
As a religious educator, I can spot what it looks like when someone is experiencing spiritual growth and wholeness. It doesn't just happen during the service. In my profession, there is a growing number of religious educators that pose the following question: "what if church is no longer just Sunday morning service?" This question makes me thrilled and terrified! My thrilled brain says "wow, what an invitation to be creative!" and my terrified brain says "oh no, what do I do with that question as a religious educator?!"
Luckily, it's not all on me, nor am I the only person putting this question into action for children and youth. As I mentioned earlier, the Stewardship Team led the Church Picnic toward success, our Animal Ministry led the children and youth in bagging animal food for pets of people utilizing Meals on Wheels, and next Sunday the 22nd, Houston Greenfaith is going to put on their Protest Song Workshops, one for adults, and one for children and youth, as an opportunity to participate safely in civic engagement.
Additionally, this Sunday during the Time for All Ages, we have a couple of kids who are going to talk about their project for FotoFest, where the 2nd-5th grade class have been discussing the concept of "Third Places". Part of their project is a photo of their Third Place, somewhere other than home or school where they spend time and feel safe. The other part is a photo of that place. Every person deserves to feel safe, and to have a Third Place where they can show up as their whole selves, which is something I feel is an undercurrent in Diana Matar's "My America", now on display in the Sanctuary. The children's art will be on display in the Sanctuary foyer during FotoFest, and I encourage you to go take a look at where the children and youth in our community feel that spiritual nourishment.
Peace,
Kinsey
