Every spring, as the school year winds down and summer stretches out ahead, our Children’s Education program turns a meaningful corner. This year, we’re celebrating a milestone: Summer Stories is kicking off its tenth year!
Summer Stories is how Calvary’s 9:15am Family Service teaches during the summer! Volunteers sign up to read a book that connects with the Revised Common Lectionary, the rotation of Bible stories that are read each week in our services and shared by Episcopalians and many other denominations. After the story is read, there are a series of “wondering” questions that invite the congregation into the story more fully and to wonder about what the story can help us understand from Scripture even better. Then there is always a coordinating craft to be done during Community Hour after church!
The idea was born a decade ago from a simple question: how do we keep children connected to faith formation even when regular programming takes a break? The answer turned out to be hiding in plain sight: picture books and craft projects. Both were already staples in homes around our congregation, and both had a natural way of opening up conversation, wonder, and memory. Each summer, the stories create spaces of curiosity and invite participation from all ages.
Storytellers can be of all ages, as our first Sunday Story reader proved! All ages are invited to share the story with the congregation, and helpful reflection questions are provided if you are nervous about that part. Your voice is what makes Summer Stories something truly special!
This year, we’d love for you to be part of it. If you’re interested in leading a story, look for the sign-up sheet in the sanctuary. Contact Sally Engelbert if you have any questions. Or simply come as you are — join us any Sunday in June, July, or August at the 9:15 service and let us share the story with you.
