All Shall Be Well: Beloved Children Of God
By The Rev. Lynn M. Finnegan Associate Rector The Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith
Virtually all teens (95%) in the United States ages 13 to 17 use social media, with more than 1 in 3 reporting that they use it "almost constantly". Nearly 40% of kids ages 8 to 12 use social media, with extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content continuing to be easily and widely accessible. The U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory (advisory.pdf), states "the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents."
These risks include inadequate sleep (which can disrupt neurological development and lead to depression and suicidal behaviors), low self-esteem, poor body image, eating disorders, and online harassment.
The Surgeon General's advisory has a lengthy list of recommended action items for policy makers, tech companies, parents, children, and researchers, but here's something they overlooked: the value of a Christian community that welcomes each youth as a beloved child of God. Often parents and caregivers ask about the size of the youth program when they are looking for a church. As church demographics have changed throughout the U.S., may I suggest that youth and children's ministries within our congregations are not about numbers? Questions you may want to consider: Does the ministry instill a sense of belonging and respect for others? Does it provide a safe space to inquire (especially for our teens) about faith and identity, or is doctrine expected to be obeyed without question? Are children and youth involved in worship and community service, and given agency? Are youth allowed to express doubts? Are two volunteers always present and are they trained in recognizing signs of abuse, neglect, and predatory behavior?
The churches represented in this column invite you to their robust children and youth ministries designed with these questions in mind!
Trinity on the Hill: Children's Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. (two age groups); a children's sermon, followed by a children's chapel at the 10:30 a.m. service. Youth serve on the altar. Monthly, young families meet for a potluck gathering.
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church: Children's sermon at 9 a.m. Sunday service, with a lesson afterward. Every 3rd Sunday: "The Table" geared toward young families with shorter worship, camp-style music, meal, and a faith formation lesson. For high schoolers: "Biblical Burritos" Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m. in Ms. Batha's room with discussion and prayer.
Church of the Holy Faith (Santa Fe): Youth engage in worship as torch bearers, crucifers, and ushers. Children's chapel during the first portion of the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. Youth group for ages eight and older meets twice a month at 12:45 p.m. for discussion, games, and service. Activities include a hike at Tsankawi, creation care projects, Halloween carnival and ofrenda, and nursing home visits.
All are planning special Christmas activities and programs, including the Children's Bazaar at Trinity on the Hill Dec. 7 and a "pop up" Christmas pageant at Bethlehem Dec. 15. Feel free to contact any of the clergy listed here!
The rapid increase of social media and its potential harmful effect on our children and youth is a societal issue that needs addressing on multiple levels. Let's keep exploring it in myriad ways, but don't overlook the value of our faith communities!
