Kelsi Vanada

“We will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.” —Psalm 78:4

Dear Friends,

Our new Formation year has just begun, so it was fitting to find this Psalm among today’s readings. From the nursery to the Senior Youth, our parish has the opportunity to tell the coming generation about the Lord!

There are many ways to teach, of course. I was often uncomfortable in the youth groups my parents signed me up for. I think much of that had to do with the fact that we were told what and how to think about our faith—not much room for doubt or exploration.

After a couple of years at my first Episcopal church, I was asked to co-lead the Junior High Sunday School. And I found something very different than what I’d grown up with. The youth came in saying things like, “I don’t know if there’s enough evidence for God.” And…that was ok! No one gasped or told them they were wrong. It was a safe space for the big questions that young people have about life and faith.

Now, when the Psalmist penned the words above, I have no idea whether they were thinking about pedagogy. But we should! In a recent Faithful Families e-newsletter, Mtr Taylor mentioned Charlotte Mason’s approach to educating children, influenced by her Anglican identity. I taught K-8 in a Charlotte Mason school for years, and I’d like to share one of her ideas.

Mason held that the role of the teacher is to be the “guide on the side,” not the “sage on the stage.” Rather than telling them what to think, the teacher’s job is to prepare a “feast” for their students of good ideas clothed in beautiful language. God made children such that they will naturally be interested—not in everything, and not always to equal degrees—but we can trustthey will each find ideas to “feed on.”

As I come alongside our Junior Youth this year, I pray I can help provide a safe space for big questions, and such a feast of ideas that the youth will be well fed!

Peace,

—Kelsi