Amy Grunewald Mattison,
Sunday School coordinator

When I started writing out “Sunday School Scoop – Spring” I typed a “t” instead of a “g.” And there is some truth to that. With everything that is going on in our church family—our recent Commitment Sunday, the sorting and boxing of Sunday School items in preparation for our move, the last weeks of Lent and excitement of Easter, and the beginning of construction on May 1, it feels like we are in a bit of a sprint!

It may seem like that now, and it is very exciting, but the life into which we are born through baptism is more of a marathon. We are in this for the long haul; there may be times of ease and joyfulness, there will be times of anguish. But we are running together and teaching our children through our example that being faithful to God has its day-to-day routines, but also its exciting moments, like the one our church family is having this spring as Building for Belonging begins its tangible stage.

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12: 1-3

Farming Hope

Each spring our noisy offering is donated to a global mission, usually in the form of animals. For the past two years we have partnered with Farming Hope in El Salvador. So far we have purchased two tilapia farms, scores of chickens, and provided food and improvements to the animals’ shelter. This year we continue to bring our coins and offer them to this growing ministry.

From the most recent Farming Hope site in California: “Farming Hope is a bridge out of homelessness. We create jobs for homeless people in gardening and use that food in cooking workshops and meals. Growing and serving food lets our folks feel valued and empowered to share their gifts. We currently partner with churches and homeless service providers in Palo Alto, San Jose and Saratoga as we grow to plant more gardens, meals and opportunity around the San Francisco Bay area. Our work is inspired by Farming Hope programs in El Salvador, Wisconsin, Chicago and now the sunny Bay Area.” (www.farminghope.org)

The Road Home

Each week that LM hosts guests from The Road Home, the Sunday School provides the meal for Tuesday night. In March, we hosted families with young children, including two newborns! The LM children who played with the toddlers helped their parents have a few moments to sit, eat, and relax. Thank you to all who provided food and helped serve. We will continue this ministry in the fall on Tuesday, October 10.

Upcoming Events

Moving day!

Saturday, April 29 | 9:15 am
The Sunday School will be a major recipient of the improvements being made to Luther Memorial. In our new space, one floor down from our current location, we will have an open gathering space, a nursery adjacent to the gathering space, four large classrooms with new windows, whiteboards and storage space, and two new restrooms (with heat!) and changing tables.

In preparation for construction, we are downsizing our storage area. Many items have been left in the parents’ gathering room for anyone who would like them (except for the large electronic items). These items will be donated before Easter. On Saturday, April 29, 9 am–noon, Sunday School families and high school students are invited to help move boxes, tables, and any other items to the current nursery space for storage during construction. Bagels, coffee and juice provided!

Upcoming Sunday School plans

Sunday, April 30 through May
Due to our move out of the current Sunday School space on Saturday, April 29, we will have a special service to close down the space on Sunday, April 30 led by Pr. John. At this time we will also recognize our oldest students who will be moving on to the new Youth Forum starting next fall in the new youth room on the lower level. Please plan to attend this special day, but maybe not in your most special clothes—we plan to decorate the walls (which will be removed in construction) after the service!

Confirmation conversation

Sunday, April 30 | 4:15 pm
Please join Pr. Brad and Pr. John to discuss the current model of confirmation offered at LM and bring your thoughts, praises, and ideas for the future. We will meet Sunday, April 30 at 4:15 pm.

Family group potluck gathering

Sunday, May 7 | 4:15 pm

The family group is a monthly social gathering for families with children of all ages. Each month one family will host by providing an entree. Please bring an appetizer, side or dessert and beverages to share, if you are able. Children’s activities will be available.

This fall

New Sunday School class for babies, toddlers, and their parents

Beginning in the fall, parents and our youngest children are invited to join the Sunday School for opening worship at 9:15 am. After older children go to their classrooms, we will be offering a parent-led time of learning followed by free play for the babies and discussion for parents. We are looking for a few parents to learn the basic format of the class. To learn more, contact Amy at amygrunewaldmattison@gmail.com.

Call for teaching teams

We are in need of a teaching team for the grade 4–5 class for next school year. We would like to find 3–4 adults to co-teach this class. If interested, please contact Amy at amygrunewaldmattison@gmail.com.