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Message from Michelle Juehring

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

By Michelle Juehring, children & family life coordinator

Making your way in the world today
takes everything you’ve got.
Taking a break from all your worries,
sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?

I wonder if the song-writing duo of Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo were parents of young children when they wrote the theme song for the award-winning show Cheers? While the tune takes me back to the comedic days of Sam, Diane, and Coach, it’s the lyrics that hit home at this particular stage in my life.

Sometimes you want to go
where everybody knows your name,
and they’re always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name.

I know, I too was singing when I got to the refrain. It’s a catchy tune and exactly how I feel sometimes being a parent.

If only there was a place like Cheers, not the bar per se, but the friendly atmosphere where you can walk inside and instantly feel at home-away-from-home. Of course this place would have to have age-appropriate activities for my children, entertainment for my spouse and me, a good meal now and then, within a reasonable driving distance from my home, offer childcare, fit within our budget, fellowship, and it wouldn’t hurt if it allowed us to get our Christian on every now and then.

Okay, that was a bit of friendly banter. Because as the one who has great joy in working with the children and family life programs at St. Paul, I know exactly where this place is. 2136 Brady Street. It’s written right there in our core beliefs — Radical Hospitality. “We rejoice in each other’s joys and sorrows. We take an interest in the texture of other people’s lives. And we welcome each other warmly as though each and every one of us is a special guest in the house of the Lord.”

Recently in worship, I reminded our daughter that we respect Godís house by keeping our feet off the pew. Glad for the attention and quick to keep the conversation going, she then asked “Where’s God’s bed, Mommy? Where does God sleep?”

I do not know where God’s bed is, be it a Sleep Number or a Tempur-Pedic. I do know, however, that God’s house is one filled with love, joy, and an open-door policy. It’s a place where, as children of God, we are all welcome. You can mentally put your feet up on the coffee table and relax. Feeling overwhelmed as a parent? Looking for enriching programs in a Christian environment? My friends in Christ, parent or grandparent, I invite you into the world of children and family at St. Paul this summer.

Summer preschool adventure is five weeks filled with exciting activities for children ages three to five grow and learn in a loving Christian environment.

Vacation Bible Experience explores the Word of God this June through chapel, crafts, games, rhythm, and snacks.

Worship in the summer time seems to be a little more relaxed and a great way to ease your child into attending services. While Sunday Learning is on break June through August, the children’s messages continues during both the 9:20 and 11:00 services. Moms’ Morning is a group of Christian mothers who meet weekly in the church house to share stories, reach out to others, and fill their cup.

Parenting Fellowship activities help you connect with other parents who delight (and struggle) in life with kids. Check out the Kids’ Center counter for the latest event.

These are just a sampling of ways in which you and your family can feel more connected and at home in the house of God. Summer is a great time to relax, have some fun and try new things. St. Paul can be this place for you and your family to recharge. We’ll get to know your name and, hopefully, you’ll be glad you came.

Michelle Juehring,

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