Back to School: Into our Hearts

Written By Jonathan Krogh

Dear Champions for Children:

I just saw the obligatory back-to-school interviews on the morning news with students both smiling and shy queuing up to return to classrooms for another academic year. As always, the story ended with remarks about new backpacks and new beginnings. Then the bell rang and the kids filed in, never to be heard from again this year unless their facility becomes the site of some tragic mishap or violent crime. The cycle is a reminder of the medieval English proverb, “A mayde schuld be seen, but not herd,” circa 1450, cited in the collected sermons of John Mirk, a 15th century Augustinian priest. The original saying referenced only young women, but over time the application morphed to include all children in the familiar, “Children should be seen, not heard.”

The scene reminded me of our baptismal sacrament where we coo and awe over adorable children and promise to guide their steps to the end that they confirm their own faith. Their new beginnings inspire our best intentions; then they’re whisked off to the Nursery, Noah’s Ark Preschool, Faith Forest or Cross Trainers classrooms. But at FPCLG, our baptismal vow contains some very specific promises: 

Do we, the members of this church, promise to love [child], to aid [parents/guardians] in Christian nurture, to provide Christian education by means of devoted teachers, adequate facilities and inspiring curriculum, and to present a variety of opportunities for Christian growth and decision, to the end that [child] may become a disciple of Jesus Christ? 
If you do, say, “We do.” 

It is a tall order. This pledge reaches into every dimension of our congregational identity, including the priorities reflected in our budget. What makes it a vow is that we publicly promise to do things we might not otherwise choose to do. We bind ourselves to love, nurture, teach and create meaningful opportunities for Christian growth and decision. In other words, our children are not merely to be seen. They are to be heard, welcomed, formed and invited into the life of faith.

Fall gives us a chance to recalibrate. When the news crews pack up their equipment for another year, that should be our reminder to roll up our sleeves and make good on our promise. Learn some kids’ names and pray for them; ask parents how they’re doing; check with Director of Christian Education Kelly Higgins about supplies and volunteer opportunities. We made a vow. Let’s keep it.

Hoping our children feel seen and heard, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor  

Jonathan Krogh
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