From the Rector’s Desk

April 1, 2004

Recently, a friend told Beth and me how she and her husband had volunteered one evening with other members of their church doing intake at a homeless shelter on the east side of St. Paul. They had decided to bring their two children, ages 5 and 8, along with them. Their children spent the evening first helping the homeless children get settled into the shelter, then just playing together. On the drive home and on the days following, this experience caused many family discussions regarding poverty and homelessness. Hearing our friend’s story made Beth and me talk about our own children and the importance we attach to raising them to be socially aware and to work for justice and equality for all.

Out of our conversations came a broader idea for a new St. John’s ministry -- a Young Families Group (ages birth-fifth grade). We hope that this group will participate in a variety of activities from volunteering together with our children, to having periodic potluck dinners together, to participating in activities together just for fun. We invite all parents with young children to a social and planning meeting at the church on April 14, 2004 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided. If you can’t come but have your own ideas of things we as young families could do together, please contact Beth and she will bring your idea to the meeting. It is our hope that this new ministry will enhance the current programs of Children’s Ministry of St. John’s and further help our children develop Christian values and to recognize the important role the church can play in their lives. It is also our hope that this new ministry will provide an important way for the young families to grow together into the larger family of Christ.

Father Mark

Group Photo, Diocesan Youth Event (DYE), February 27-February 29 at St. John’s