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We read the Introduction and the 1st chapter of the book. So far, we both really like the direction the book is heading. I agree with the point she made in the introduction, that churches as a whole tend to ignore young families needs- they meet the need of the elderly widow, but yet forget about the young adult. I also liked how the book shows that the exclusive ways of fundamental churches cause problems with young adults, as some of those issues are those of the older generation not the problems with the younger generations (such as race, sexual preferences,etc.). We really like the whole tribal ideal- where the older and younger generations gather together to help each other, where you combine the strengths of both and we learn from each other.
By: Kelly and Kelly Howard on June 7, 2009
at 11:59 pm
Loved Chapter 2- The part about the young family really hit home with us. I think any young family can attest that they ask themselves the same questions. We also liked the part about how the older and more seasoned mothers helped out the younger mother. I personally would love to see our church head in this direction.
By: Kelly and Kelly Howard on June 11, 2009
at 1:08 am
Chapter 2 hit home for a couple of reasons – both of my sisters have struggled with infertility issues – one now has triplets (after IVF) and the other is still trying at 40 for her first pregnancy. Both married later (after 30 – the age I got married) and both very much wanted to raise kids like our stay at home mom. This has proven very difficult financially and the pressure for grandkids was intense from both sides of the family. Both attend church like my parents did – come for worship and rush home for brunch – no other connections are made.
The financial reality of 2 incomes today vs 1 when we were growing up really hit home: my dad worked 40 hours a week during college (he was the first in his family) at a minimum wage job and completed college with zero debt (and with no help from his parents). There is no way our kids could do that today. I’m guilty as a trailing boomer of telling my younger sisters that they feel too entitled to a life better than our upper middle class upbringing – but my youngest sister left college with loans to pay back and everything else has been delayed vs my timing since then: her first house, her marriage, her kids (hopefully) – and she has been very sucessful in her career (but at what cost?).
I don’t know how to address the the singles but we can start with young families in the nurseries and weed out the books missing pages and the toys missing parts not to mention a coat of paint and a Purell dispenser(pg 32).
Why can’t we have a flower garden/meditation space? I think it would bring new energy and a reason to pause after the service – perhaps in the green space in between the fellowship hall and the office?
By: Doug Richardson on June 26, 2009
at 9:32 pm
I like the whole idea of erasing the divisions between the age groups. I have learned so much from the young people in our church. It is always about “open ness” to new thoughts and ideas in all age groups.
I believe as we grow and serve together, a new understanding of one another will evolve.
As I observe the young/middle families in our church, I am filled with hope for the future of both our church and the nation.
I think the writer is on tract with the thinking of the intergenerational church. I must read on to make intelligent comments(maybe)
By: Mary Lee on June 24, 2009
at 2:08 am
I actually read the entire book in one setting last weekend as I was intrigued by many of the author’s thoughts. We struggled to find a church home when we moved to Summerville back in 2000….a home where we felt loved and cared for as we did in our Mt. Pleasant church.
Since I have two teenagers who struggle to stay in church, this is even more telling for our family right now. We joined DPC simply because the kids liked PYC. When I look at the congregation, I see a lot of experienced adults, but not as many very young families, and very few late teens/early twenties.
Maybe we need to examine the tribal concept and how we can better meet the needs of our young folks.
By: Pam Smith on July 13, 2009
at 3:41 pm