Somewhere between ‘amen’ and ‘add to calendar

We are quickly approaching the end of the school year, with all it's chaos, transitions, and activities. Fitting in all the school, community, and church activities this time of year can be entirely overwhelming. I've already heard from parents that they are in their "Maycember" craze and it just started!

For those of us who are church leaders, we love your families, your kids, and you. We don't want you to be overwhelmed; we want you to be filled with God's peace.

So, how can you not go insane but still finish out the year strong; including church programs?

Make Sunday Worship a priority

Come to worship, be filled up with God's love, and receive the gift of community. In my church, our programming goes through the end of the school year, but I allow for a slower pace in classes that makes room for kiddos to talk. I also try to connect with parents intentionally, allowing them room to talk about .. well, all the things.

Communicate Your Needs

Don't leave your leaders on read. Communicate with us. If you can't come; say so. If your family has plans, say so. If you are super excited about the upcoming events, say so. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask! Communicating with us helps us to know where your headspace is- and we will be less likely to bother you because we don't know!

Transition Well

This goes along with making Sunday worship a priority. To transition well into the summer; especially with younger kids, it's best to not just drift in and out. Keeping a consistent schedule will help kids know what's going on. In fact, a child yesterday asked me how many more Sundays of children's church we have... and another thought we were done already! It helps them to know, to build those relationships, and to not be as anxious.

Celebrate

While your pastors and youth leaders are gearing up for summer ministry; while they are prepping for picnics and vbs, they still have time to celebrate with you. Invite your leaders into your lives by sharing the exciting things.. did you win something cool? Did you have a super fun day/ field day? Are you anxious about EOG's (a real thing y'all), do you have a recital you want us at? Tell us! We want to know.. even if we have a council meeting and can't go, we can still celebrate with you!

Keep Focus

I try to limit my text reminders and make them precise because that's the last thing we need, right? Yet, there are still important announcements and deadlines related to summer registrations. I'm naturally organized, but even I still need a calendar this time of year.

If you aren't already a calendar type person, grab some paper and make a block calendar for the month. Fill in everything you know. What can you feasibly do? Where is your limit? You might need to choose between that 4H event and the church picnic with the cool foam party (a real dilemnia with one of my families as our annual picnic falls on the day of their annual 4H event.). What's more important to you and your family? I know, I know, it's hard when everything requires a commitment!

Reflect with your family

In youth ministry, we ask kids to share their highs, lows, and uh-ohs. Perhaps using this method, you can give your kids space to discuss their worries and anxieties as they transition.

Invite friends!

I have suddenly seen an influx of friends at the end of this school year. I want us to transition well and not loose this moment, but I am so confused where this is coming from.. because the norm is we drift at the end of the school year. I hope to set up some intentional smaller events after Maycember is over to keep this momentum going!

As you make your way to Maycember, remember that God fills you; not schedules, parties, or the to-do list. Be intentional about resting, stopping the doom-scrolling so that you do get your sleep, and maybe have some freezer meals prepped (or dinner pickup, if needed) for those insanely crazy nights!