Healdsburg -- May 5, 2006

Healdsburg Community Church dispenses with curriculum for Sunday School during the summer. That's no books. Instead, it invites adults to come in and "share something God has taught you over the years."

Roxanne Derr Lemereis, HCC's minister of Christian Formation, explains: "I try desperately to have our congregation interact with our children and young people. We all have learned a thing or two from God over the years. But most often adults are afraid to share with kids," Maybe faith seems too intellectual or elusive. So Lemereis implores, "If it is a personal experience, we can be comfortable about sharing -- because we have lived it."

Lemereis also encourages families with children to make a point of sharing regularly -- precisely as a way to keep from being overwhelmed by parenthood occasionally. Make a weekly date, one-on-one time, with teach child, she advises. "Create traditions...Traditions can often be the glue you need in time of crisis."