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Love of Children June Newsletter |
What Is this Project? |
by Trayce Potter
Recently my 6 year old son was walking through the house repeatedly reciting the pledge of allegiance. After what seemed like the 400th time I stopped him asked what he was saying. He explained how they say it at school and why it is important to many. I asked him what was so important about the pledge and he immediately said the part about justice for all. |
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My son is named Micah and has been read the book of Micah from our Scriptures many times, so he is aware of the need to "do justice" (Micah 6:8) and he struggles when there is injustice around him.
The call to do justice for all is the starting place for our new Love of Children program. Having received a $1.25 million grant through the Lilly Endowment to explore how we nurture the faith of children within the United Church of Christ is a call and commitment to look at our beliefs surrounding children and the practices, resources, and support they offered. Over the course of this grant and beyond we hope to create a culture that centers our youngest members and build churches that prepare them for a life of faithful learning, never-ending curiosity, and justice-seeking radicalism for the sake of all. We hope you will join us on this journey. |
Meet the Staff |
Trayce Potter is an ordained Disciples of Christ minister with standing in the UCC. She is the proud mother of 6 year old Micah and 3 month old Kyra. She enjoys an active lifestyle with running, resistance training and rock wall climbing. Life is made for eating nachos and ice cream no matter the time of day. No matter where she has lived she supports her Cleveland teams and Ohio State football. |
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Tyler Ung is an ordained United Church of Christ minister, and has worked primarily with children and youth in congregational settings. Currently, they also serve as the Minister with Children and Youth at a congregation where they live in Durham, NC. Outside of work, they love to spend time with their partner, Shannon, their cat, Claudette, and their dog, Atlas. Good days are filled with camping, delicious food, a good book, and a solid nap. |
In Your Words, What Is Faith Formation? |
Trayce says: “Faith formation is how we thoughtfully and theologically engage the world around us. We use the tools we have (scripture, curricula, liturgy, etc.) to reflect more fully in God, creation and relationships.”
Tyler says: “For me, spirituality is all about connection – connection with ourselves, with others, with the world around us, and with God. Faith formation, then, is about learning the stories and rituals that help us to embody that spiritual connection in the context of a loving community.” |
What Scripture Guides Your Work? |
Trayce:
Micah 6:8 - ...do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God...
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Tyler:
Isaiah 43:18-19 - ...Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing...
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What Are You Most Excited for with the Love of Children Program? |
"To my knowledge, this is the first intentional children's program that has been initiated in the United Church of Christ. We have an opportunity to take big risks and try something new with funding already in place. Its every pastor's dream!" – Trayce
"The United Church of Christ is a spiritual home for me, and I think it has so much to offer children: a safe and loving community, extravagant welcome, and partners in the journey towards a just and peaceful world. I want to help create an intentional space for children here!" – Tyler |
Save the Date |
Love of Children is coming to Nurture the Soul! Join us for 3 episodes: May 30, June 6, and June 13 at 3:30pm EST. |
Open Office Hours |
Every 3rd Tuesday from 3:00-4:00pm ET beginning June 18 |
Do you have questions about Children's Ministry? Suggestions to help equip the wider United Church of Christ? Then pop into our open office hour via zoom! We will be online from 3:00-4:00pm every third Tuesday and we would love to connect with you. |
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