First Pres Kids Hayward

I don’t want to rush from grief or the realities of what this election means to people we love including our children and their friends at all levels of society (and when I say our children I mean all the children but I also hold our specific children in my heart). I don’t want to spiritual bypass or bright side or problem solve. But I do want to leave these words by other wise people for you to ruminate on as parents, as people of faith, as chasers of Shalom and as members of the Community of Creation… and maybe by Friday those of you with littles will want to join us for our Storytime talking about Turtle Island for Native American Heritage Month… this land and the people that came before, continues to be and will still be here after all this human brokenness. Sources tagged.

Hi Parents, especially those sending their kids to school for the first time, to new schools or to schools far away… here is a prayer from Feminist Prayers for My Daughter by (applicable to all children of all genders) that you, your schools, your communities be able to hold your precious children securely and safely with a love that does not seek to control (for that is not love at all) but a love that serves the unique beloved creature God intended them to be, a love that liberates and gives them wings.

If, like me, you are paying attention to national politics right now and the conflicts and elections that are happening globally this year, you might feel a little discomfort or confusion about what we’re supposed to be celebrating on the 4th of July?

I was an American Studies major in college and I am deeply invested in the idea of America, holding both criticism for its past and present and hope for its future. It feels harder and harder to be hopeful these days. And easier and easier to succumb to the temptation of melting into my couch cushions and never going outside again. But, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

So, I continue to reach for a handhold on that arc and follow the Way of Jesus who was anything but a fanatic nationalist or supporter of the status quo and empire. I continue to do my little part in the spheres of my own influence. But, when my sphere is children and youth, what does that look like? Simply: simple conversations.

Link in bio from for how to simply talk with young children about the 4th of July in a way that captures the complexity of a holiday that shouts a well-meaning, celebratory: “Freedom for all!” but does it so loudly that it drowns out the voices of those who were and are still not free.

Some other resources for this month which is Disability Pride month are also available at link in bio. There is no playdate this Friday due to staff schedules, but there will be a Storytime and Playdate on Friday, July 19th.

And looking ahead, on Saturday, July 20th is Castro Valley Pride and will have a booth, so make sure you add this event for all ages to your calendar.

And don’t forget, that we next week we have our Mom’s/Female-Identifying Caregiver Night!