Nursery

A Message from Debby...

Times, Trends and Toddlers Today

Culture has been shifting. Generation gaps feel wider. There is a growing urgency, yet a confusion of how, to nurture children in the faith. Now the challenge is greater. Children born after 2004, generally termed Generation Z or the New Adaptives, will be the first generation to grow up in a completely digital world. This means our present babies and toddlers will filter and process information differently than most of us reading this article today. The times have changed, the filters have changed; and yet children still need spiritual nurturing. How can parents prepare to guide this generation toward a mature faith?
Take responsibility, but don’t go it alone. Although parents are the primary influencers, faith in life will still be in the context of community. Do your homework. According to research, parents need more religious literacy, a faith-based transferable parenting model, and people to mentor, resource and encourage them. Ask how your house of faith plans to prepare you for your faith-parenting role.
Learn how your child will filter and process information. This generation will need to learn about and experience God through more experiential, multi-sensory, participatory, and image-driven venues. The use of religious symbols, story-linking, language and activities for responding to God will help anchor and form them in the faith.
Be involved in ministry with children for the modeling of faith formation. Practice this in daily life. Parenting is challenging. Together we can nurture the spiritual life of children today for a faithful obedience to God tomorrow.

Relationship is the Faith Connection for Babies, Too!

As a new parent, do you envision your baby‘s future? Is it filled with joy, faith and hope? Studies find correlations among nurturing relationships, spirituality, infant brain circuitry and overall health.
The first few years are critical in brain and faith development that will form the foundation for your baby’s future growth and well-being. The emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual are all interconnected. Relationship is essential. We are designed to connect with God and others in secure, nurturing relationships.
Healthy brain development does not take place without your infant having a sense of security. Likewise, your baby will not develop trust without feeling secure in a few close relationships. Trust, nurtured in the first years, leads to hope. Hope is the beginning of adult faith. See the connection? The environment and relational activities that enhance brain development can be used to form a strong faith foundation.
What can you do to connect the nurture needed for brain development with the spiritual development of your infant? Use your relationship with God to pray for baby as you exchange caring facial expressions and attend to baby’s needs. Redeem the routine! Sing, read, and talk about God with your baby during your daily activities using music, words and visuals of your faith traditions and values. Connect these times to a sense of God with words like, “I’m caring for you, as God cares for you. God loves you, and so do I.”
Your baby will develop trust from your loving relationship and predictable routines. His brain and trust are developing dramatically as a result of your relationship and experiences connected to a sense of God’s love and security!
Redeem your routine of child care through prayer, relationship and activities that promote security and a sense of God’s love. You and your baby will grow in faith!

You brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you when I was a nursing infant. I was thrust upon you at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.
Psalm 22:9-10 (NLT)

The Golden Compass

Dear Parent/Teacher:

We are in a spiritual custody battle for the souls of our children. Be wise and discerning as you make choices for your family. One of those choices is about a new movie that appears very appealing and innocent. I have seen the previews!

The new movie is The Golden Compass, starring Nicole Kidman and is already being advertised in theaters and TV. It is targeted to children. Parents and Grandparents, you must read about it at Snopes.Com. The movie has an anti-God message...and is based on a book written by Phillip Pullman, a devout atheist. He is not a fan of C.S. Lewis and the Narnia series and this book is part of a trilogy to show the other side of Narnia. In the end of the trilogy, the children kill God. This is all explained on the Snopes site.

Check it out at www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp and also www.family.org, Focus on the Families sight. They will have an review about it. Click on the link and then go to the Plugged In link for movie and media reviews.

Help inform others so they are not be unaware!

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