"We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.
Even longer,' Pooh answered.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Friendship is a slice of our lives that brings such purpose to each and every day. It is a huge part of our kids' lives as they navigate each day and make new friends, lose friends, have a best friend or sometimes struggle to have one good friend. When I was growing up I didn't have alot of friends at school, my church community offered me many friends, many of them years older than me. My church friends, both young and old offered me great support and encouragment. My prayer is that our kids today at Westminster feel the same way about their friends at church. As a Pastor I seek out to call the kids by name, let them know I am their friend and that I'm always ready to give a high five and an encouraging hug. As parents and as a church community may we do all we can to faithfully pray and nurture the children we are so fortunate to know at Westminster.

Last Sunday, we experienced the Baptism of Kaden, a sweet 8 month old who nestled his head into my shoulder as I took him from his Dad. As we began Kaden's Baptism the congregation agreed in unison to pray and nurture Kaden as he grows up at Westminster. This is a commitment we make for each child who is Baptized. I trust it is a commitment we take seriously and I encourage us all to keep finding ways to interact with our kiddos and to in fact be their friends. What will our kids remember about growing up at Westminster? May it truly make a wonderful impact in their lives as they grow in God's love.