Intentionally Intergenerational

Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your old men shall dream dreams,

and your young men shall see visions.

Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17

Dear Friends in Christ,

(Intentionally Intergenerational, say that five times fast…). This Sunday, youth and children will take a prominent role in leading our 10:30 worship service. Every Sunday, youth and children are involved as acolytes and often in youth and children’s choirs, as readers or chalice bearers or handbell ringers or ushers. We try to make available to children and youth whatever ministry for which they are equipped. We even have a Youth Vestry Member (in accordance with our by-laws), and we have sent youth to Diocesan Annual Council as official Delegates.

Aside from these official ways in which we welcome children and youth, I pray that each of you (younger and older) will intentionally seek personal connection with each other. Researchers say that the most important factor in young people sustaining religious faith as adults is the experience of at least one adult who personally knew them and engaged with them in deep questions of life and God.

Not to be missed likewise is the impact that young people can have on the faith and vitality of adults. Adults often get lazy about asking tough questions, or lose sight of values that are truly important in life. This is true across generations as well, where Millennial adults engaging Great Generation nonagenarians can bless both. Instead of allowing ourselves to be segregated into marketing-driven age groups, we can share life together as an integrated community, living more whole and complete lives. This generational segregation is a unique thing in human history. God has set us into families and extended families and communities. How might you nurture intergenerational relationships in Christ? Who will you meet across generations this Sunday?

Yours in Christ,

-Tom