We are for one another. We are generous. We speak words that help. We build one another up. And summed up in the affirmation – WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM. 

Dear Oak Lane Family,

At last month’s Session meeting, church leaders re-affirmed our commitment to supporting and maintaining the Oak Lane After School Program (OLASP), which provides childcare both before and after school. We understand that our outreach to neighborhood families with school age children is integral to our missional witness.

This is no small statement that yes, we indeed care about the children we serve. We do care…. and tend, and advocate, and discipline, and love. Because caring for children at OLPC is indeed a matter of demonstrating love that was first made known to us in Christ Jesus.

As your pastor, I understand my role and responsibility to include being pastorally present with the children and their families in our care. I enjoy my time “downstairs”, checking in with staff, reading a picture book, helping with homework, building with Legos, or tying a shoelace.

My time with OLASP has increased these last few weeks, as OLPC ruling elder Theresa Purnell and I are volunteering as interim co-directors. A search is already underway to find a permanent OLASP Director.

This week, when the children arrived with typical release of pent up energy kept under wraps during the school day, they noticed some changes in the physical space. Tables with activities were prepared in advance of their arrival and a quiet classroom has been established for those who have homework. We removed a few tables to allow space for inside games. Though these changes are an improvement, the most important work is teaching and modeling expectations of how we treat one another.

We are for one another. We are generous. We speak words that help. We build one another up. And summed up in the affirmation – WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM.

Easy to say, difficult to live, as feelings get ruffled, emotions become tangled, and actions precede thought. These expectations set a high standard, yet anything less would betray our Christian understanding that we belong to one another in covenantal relationship. Children, adults, neighbors, strangers, – we are entrusted to one another. There is no other that is excluded and left behind.

Our theologically informed ways of being together affirm the love made known to us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. The love made visible “downstairs” is the same love we worship on Sunday morning, the love we seek in prayer, and the love we share in our work and witness.

May all our relationships reflect the glory of the risen Lord who inspires our efforts and informs the way we belong to one another.

Happy Eastertide,
Judith