Emergencies and Moving Them Out
Friday May 1, 2020 | Leslie GalemaOn April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, two teens went on a shooting spree , killing 13 people and wounding more than 20 others before turning their guns on themselves and committing suicide. The Columbine shooting was, at the time, the worst high school shooting in U.S. history and prompted a […] Read more
The Art of Letting Go
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersEvery year, the same thing happens. I get so gosh-darn attached. September arrives faithfully, another school year begins, and on promotion Sunday, I admire my new few. Some are thrilled to finally be the oldest in the room while others secretly wish they could still be the little ones. After all, big changes are ahead—scary, […] Read more
Lessons Learned in Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersMy family and I sat down a few nights ago to watch ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’, the documentary about the life of Fred Rogers, the children’s television personality and minister. As I was watching the movie about Fred Rogers’ life, I noticed several fundamental values that he held when interacting with children that we, […] Read more
The Truth About Lies
Friday May 1, 2020 | Daniel De JesúsWhen I was nine-years-old, I was sent home from school because I had head lice. These little black bugs made a grand, unwelcome entrance into my Mexi-Rican, medium-sized afro. I still remember my teacher’s dreadful stare. I had no idea where I’d gotten these critters. All I knew is I was being sent home for my mom […] Read more
Taking Off The Mask
Friday May 1, 2020 | Adriana HowardOkay, I get it. Halloween isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I happen to love it! I love the crisp in the air. I love dressing up. I love giving out candy whether it’s from my front door or from the back of my car (which probably sounds shady if you’ve never attended or participated […] Read more
Shedding Light
Friday May 1, 2020 | Gina McClainI love light. In the evening, as the sun sets, I walk around my house and turn on a few lights and lamps. I’ve never been a fan of dark. Maybe it’s some childhood heebie-jeebies lingering from my past. I remember feeling like the biggest chicken as a kid when I visited my grandparents. When […] Read more
Faith Conversations with Kids
Friday May 1, 2020 | Afton Phillips“Well, like one time I forgot to study for a test. So on my way to school, I prayed to God to help me do good on the test . . . and I did!” Out of the mouths of second graders, right? Has one of your few ever made a statement in group about […] Read more
The Sunday Morning Dinner Party Experience
Friday May 1, 2020 | CJ PalmerLet’s pretend that tonight you have to go to a dinner party. It’s not the kind of party you’re looking forward to, though. You’re going alone, you know very few people, if any, who will be there, and you fear you will end up making small talk with acquaintances all evening. You’re not even sure how […] Read more
That’s a Good Question
Friday May 1, 2020 | Orange LeadersAnd there it was. The question was out there for everyone to hear. The small group had been having a great discussion on the life of Joseph when one girl said, “So what did Potiphar’s wife actually want Joseph to do?” Hmmm, what to say? As a volunteer in children’s area, we have all probably […] Read more
Spiral Bound Safe Spaces
Friday May 1, 2020 | Adriana HowardIf you’re like me, an hour in group doesn’t always feel like enough time to really dig in deep and delve into the good stuff. This one needs to go to the bathroom. That one can’t stop fidgeting. This one refuses to open up because profound conversations are for losers. And that one refuses to […] Read more
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