In the Bible, the Song of Songs (verse 2) calls to us, “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Such lovely thoughts herald the rebirth of the earth and the coming of Spring.

Although it is in the 30’s outside my window as I write, I have faith and know that soon winter will release its grasp and the buds will bloom. This is the time of anticipation…and, this religious educator regrets to say, the time when historically, attendance in religious education classes frequently takes a nose-dive. The days get longer, soccer and softball begin while volleyball and hockey and basketball linger on…and the social schedule ramps up. Some days it can just seem like too much to get up, get out the door and get to church!

I’m here to encourage and even implore you to make it a priority and come anyway. I say this not only because our teachers are preparing lessons and programs for your children and youth. I write this not only because I know the worship services that you attend are likely to be meaningful and filled with wonderful music, words on which to reflect and meditate, and people you know in the pews. I suggest this not only because social hour will bring you connection and community, which we all want: it’s because right now, we need each other. We, of all ages, need places like Follen Church in our lives, for the times that are great, for the moments that are a little crazy, and for the places where we just feel like we’re overwhelmed, afraid, or not sure of what will come next in our lives.

This church will be here, and in religious education and youth programming, we’re ready for you and your children. So come, no matter what. Arise and come away…and head to the historic church that offers you a welcome and an open heart and hand – no matter your age, no matter what’s going on in your life.

See you in church!

Deb Weiner, Interim Director of Religious Education