Fermata Feb 18, 2022: Let the Children Come Unto Me

Fermata is the weekly newsletter describing some of the past week’s highlights from Notes of Rest, which is my spiritual retreat ministry that interweaves text, music, and questions for the sake of cultivating stillness, introspection, and creativity in communities so that all may rest. I'd love to host a Notes of Rest for your church, seminary, or affinity group. Feel free to reply to this email to start the conversation!

Notes of Rest for Christ Episcopal School

Hi everyone,

Last week I had the chance to host Notes of Rest for my youngest group yet: grade schoolers at Christ Episcopal School in Rockville, MD! It was so fun talking with them about how Jesus takes our small gifts and turns them into big ones (John 6:5-14). Part of the challenge that I sat in as an adult was that the child's offerings confused and taught the befuddled adult disciples. We then connected the boy of fish and loaves to the Children's Crusade in Birmingham, Alabama after the Birmingham bombing in 1963 and to the girls fighting for environmental justice in the 21st century. I pray the children continue to lead us adults.

What small gifts can you bring to Jesus that he can turn into a big one? How are you learning from children's faithfulness around you?

May The Lord grant us Notes of Rest today, for salvation has come and is coming.

abundantly,
Julian

P.S. Here are some testimonies from some 3rd, 6th and 7th graders: 
- "I loved having him. It was awesome!"
- "I liked his music!" 
- "He was very entertaining."
- "I liked his cheerful attitude."
- "I liked his piano skills."
- "I liked how he related small things to big things. He told the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, one of my favorite stories.
- "I like the way he taught us about Jesus, a biblical story taught us a bit about Jesus and Black History Month too! I hope he can come back soon!"