Our chapel often feels tucked away, in its own little corner. A hidden world only accessible to those who know the secret paths and can traverse the mountains of First Congregational Church (which is why we put signs out before mass each week). I never in a million years thought we would get foot traffic back in our little corner of the universe, but I was wrong.
Beginning this month, the rooms surrounding our office, storage room, and chapel are being rented out to a music school, and I am so thrilled at this wonderful opportunity! Throughout the week there will be kids and their parents, teachers, and maybe even adult students who know where we are, who maybe even poke their head into our chapel to see what there is to see. Maybe weary caregivers will rest in our quiet, dark space while their child is finishing up a lesson. Maybe there will be ways we can show up and support these folks. Maybe there will be posted notices of recitals, or things the teachers need.
And so, in light of this development, there are two things that I want to ask of you: 1) would you please pray for this school, that we would be good, supportive neighbors, and that they would flourish among us; and 2) would you help me create a small kid corner in our chapel? I would like to set up one of our back corners with a rocker/glider that a parent could use, and a cube shelf (like Ikea's Kallax model) where we can store books, crayons, toys, etc. Some place a caregiver and child would know we had thought about them, and feel welcomed.
I don't think this is a "if you build it they will come" mentality. I know you are wonderful people who have a lot to offer all different kinds of people, and I think this is an opportunity for us to meet our community in a new way. When they show up, I want them to know we thought about them. Please reach out if you're able to help me create this space.
Peace,
Pastor Maggie