From the Back Page

Gina Struensee, Director of Christian Education

Journaling is a spiritual discipline for preschoolers – 5th graders???

Now, you might be thinking, wow, what an advanced topic for young children. I know I was having doubts (and I am the one who planned the evening). Last week during Wonderful Wednesdays, I had the pleasure of teaching class and this unique group of children astounded me with their knowledge and wisdom. 

On the first few journal pages the children drew pictures of God, listed what they are thankful for, composed their own prayer and illustrated a picture of their favorite Bible story. The final journal page we completed that evening was titled, “Where do you see God?” The class, armed with digital cameras, set out to search for God.

As our journey began, suddenly one of the children said, “stop.” He told me he wanted to take a picture of our class. When I asked him why he said, “Because I see God in all of them.” We continued on our way and took pictures of God in the closed doorway leading to the cloister hallway, the stained glass windows in the Chapel, the cross, Bible and baptismal font, and the piano in the chancel of the Nave. One clever child said that God was everywhere in the church. Another insightful child told us God is everywhere, not just in the church but outside the church too. 

As we meandered upstairs to search for God, the children informed me that God is in our hearts. With a little hint from Pastor Paul, they took photos of the class giving hugs to one another.

I experienced God that evening listening intently to the innocent voices and creative reflections of our children as they searched for God. The next time you find yourself strolling about the halls of First Presbyterian Church pause a moment to ask, “Where do I see God?”       

 

Pictorial Directory

Participate in The First Presbyterian Church Pictorial Directory and receive an 8 X 10 photograph and a free directory. Pictures will be taken at Geri’s Photography (across the street from the church in the Market Place) the month of March.

• Weekends: (9:00a to 6:00p) March 7, 13, 14, 27 and 28
• Weekdays: (3:00p to 8:30p) March 1, 17 and 19
• Weekdays: (11:00a to 7:00p) March 4, 9, and 25

Appointments can be made after services on Sunday at the information desk, as well as on-line at: http://gerisphotovideo.bookmonline.com/schedules/Presbyterian

Additional appointments can be made directly with Geri at 920-967-0030.

 

Presbyterian Links
Synod of Lakes and Prairies
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Presbyterian Church U.S.A. General Assembly
Winnebago Presbytery