NOTE: This is an archive article from "Resources for Parents". Information may no longer be accurate.

You Can't Give Away What You Don't Have

Parents frequently ask, "How am I supposed teach my child about God?" As a parent at Saint Margaret's, you've heard us name you as the "primary spiritual teachers" of your child, but you don't always feel equipped to teach anyone anything "spiritual." The truth is that transmitting the faith to your child is a gradual process.

And…you have to start at the beginning. Sorry, there are no shortcuts. Whether it's teaching your child about Jesus or sharing your experience of God with a co-worker, you can't share what you yourself don't have. You must develop your own relationship with Jesus before you can begin to share it with your child. Then, as time goes by, God will continue to invite you back to renew that vital relationship, to grow more deeply in [him]. It's an on-going cycle of coming to God, sharing God with your children and returning to God to be fed.

So, rule number one is "Feed Yourself First". It's kind of like the advice that flight attendants give in their safety briefings. If there is a loss of cabin pressure, put on your own facemask first, then help your child. If you want to raise children who really know and love God, become a parent who really knows and loves God. Your children will be watching and learning from what you do.

Over the next few weeks at Saint Margaret's, many new opportunities to be fed are gearing up. I hope that you and your family will be intentional about nurturing your relationship with God. Here are a few specific ideas:

September 12 - Ministry Fair
It's like a job fair, a panorama of all our ministry opportunities, all morning long. You can find out about the many different ways to grow spiritually at Saint Margaret's. Check out prayer groups, small groups and education opportunities such as Couple's Night Out, the Alpha Course, the Cursillo retreat weekend, the Mom's and Kids Group or Education for Ministry (EFM).

September 19 - Education for ALL Ages Begins
10:15-11:15AM, there are classes for EVERYONE. Weekly forums for adults begin in Bristol Hall. For kids, there are Godly Play and Adventures in Ministry classes downstairs. Youth (middle school and high school) meet for their own class in room 3.

September 26 - An Important Day for Parents of Three-Year-Olds
Nicole Hoyt and Naomi Gabrielson have planned a special program to support three-year-olds (and their parents) in the transition from the Childcare Center into Godly Play and Joyful Noise Children's Worship. (Click here to see a copy of the letter for parents of three-year-olds.)

Just a final thought, life is filled with all kinds of choices-especially for how to spend our precious weekends. God is the one constant, unchanging gift in our lives. When you make a commitment to nurturing your family's spiritual life, you are investing in the one thing that really matters, an eternal investment. What a gift to give yourself and your children. We look forward to seeing you and your family in worship and education this year.

Resources for Parents

Sacred Space. Having trouble finding time fro prayer and Bible study? The Jesuits in Ireland have created a place to support daily prayer at your computer.

The Center for Liturgy. This site from St. Louis University is filled with prayers, meditations and other resources for the Bible readings used in our Sunday worship. (Note: This is a Catholic site and the readings will sometimes be a bit different from those used at St. Margaret's.)

More Resources for Parents

For information on other parenting topics, please visit the Resources for Parents page. If you need additional assistance, please contact one of the staff below or by calling the church office at (425) 746-6650.