Wise parents and teachers realize children need both wings and roots. Young people who grow up with only roots never soar to their true potential. But those who grow up with only wings can easily crash and burn.
Grandparents help provide the roots we all need–when we’re young and later on in life, too. Unconditional love. A sense of history and of being part of something bigger than ourselves. A listening ear. A storyteller’s heart. Oatmeal cookies. Lessons in hook-baiting and kite-flying. Grandparents touch our lives in all these ways and more.
If you plan a recognition of Grandparents Day in your church this coming weekend (September 13, 2009), good for you! Thank God for his gift of family and for the legacies each worshiper has received from previous generations.
Check this site if you want to learn more about how Grandparents Day began. Think, too, about offering a simple intergenerational Sunday school event. You might serve home-made cookies and cocoa. Invite each family in attendance to partner with one or two other families. Each family may share 1) ”favorite grandparent stories”; 2) the faith legacy of each family–even if that legacy is beginning with the current generation; and 3) thoughts about 2 Timothy 1:3-7.
As you ponder the Bible text, consider what Timothy’s family must have been like. How must their faith have encouraged the great apostle Paul?! Then ask yourselves, “Who might we as a family encourage?”
One last thought. Be sure to extend a special invitation to widows, widowers, and single seniors to your event. They, too, have a contribution to make, a legacy to leave, as they mentor, teach, and serve as examples in your church.
Jane,
I followed the link and am so glad to learn about the origins of Grandparents Day. I’m a step-grandparent, and I am learning how important grandparents can be to their grandchildren.
We’ve been off on vacation, so I’m not sure if our church will be celebrating the day. Maybe next year I can have some input.
Best regards,
Aunt Linda
Linda,
Glad you found it helpful! I remember neither of my grandfathers; they died when I was very young. But both my grandmas had enormous influence. Grandma Fryar gave me my first Bible–when I was 8! And my fondest memory of Grandma Hepp is walking into her home early in the morning and finding her sitting in her favorite rocking chair, reading the Psalms. It’s a heritage from our Lord that I deeply treasure!
Jane
Hello Dr. Fryar!
I’m teaching Pre-K this year and I’m loving it! I think that celebrating Grandparents Day in my classroom this year might be a lot of fun and I really liked how you gave a visual of roots and wings.
I actually was trying to find your email address somewhere on this site. Since I couldnt find it I thought I would just post on here and tell you that I miss you! Also i’m thinking about starting a Bible study group but I had a few questions to ask you. I still use my school email so if you could email me sometime that would be great! Jesus bless your day!
In His Grip,
Kayla
P.S. Say hi to marty for me!
HI
I am a Catholic School Teacher in charge of our Grandparents Day All School Mass. I would love to know of any Mass plans you might be able to share so that I have a starting point for choosing readings, songs, etc.
Thanks
Amy
Hi, Amy! It’s great to hear from you!
As a starting point, you might check out CTA’s free Ministry Message for “Leaving a Legacy.”
Consider this insert for your bulletin or service folder. The second page includes a litany/responsive prayer you may find helpful.
The theme verse for the “Living a Legacy” product line is Psalm 145:4. That might be a good starting point as you help plan the service.
We appreciate your questions, and invite other readers to share ideas that have worked well for them!
Jane