In early 2019 I began serving as assisting priest at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Albuquerque.  St. Mark's is home to a diverse and rapidly growing faith community as well as a Montessori Preschool that serves ~50 preschool children and their families.  

One of my first areas of focus at St. Mark's will be to explore creative ways to support the spiritual growth of St. Mark's families, not only at church and school, but also at home throughout the week.  

Our exploration begins with a "Song of the Month."  Each month we'll offer a simple song as an "anchor" for spiritual reflection and growth throughout the month.  Children will learn and sing the song each week in Children's Chapel (both at school and at church).  Parents and other adults in the St. Mark's community can learn the song and access further materials for reflection online.  Children will have the opportunity to share the song with the entire St. Mark's community during the worship on the 4th Sunday of each month.  

If you are the parent/caregiver of a very young child (age 0-2), your child will still benefit enormously from daily exposure to the "Song of the Month"--even though they aren't yet singing, you can be sure they are already listening and learning!  Experiment with incorporating the song into any part of your daily routine--waking, sleeping, bathing, dressing, diaper change, etc.  From an early age, you can help your child establish a pattern of life in which prayer and spiritual practice are a natural part!  

If you are the parent/caregiver of an older child (age 3+) try incorporating the song and one short, thematically linked reflection question, action, or prayer into your daily routine--maybe at mealtime, at bedtime, or even during your daily commute.  

If you are a teenager or adult with no young children at home, Find a way to work the song into your daily routine--perhaps while your showering, driving, or cooking.  Discuss the theme or reflection question with a friend or partner--or set aside some time to journal, draw, paint, blog or reflect in some other creative way on your own.  

Have fun!  Experiment!  And above all--share your experiences and insights with one another and with me!