ALOA Webinar – Sue Lennartson, Director of Adult Ministry at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN, explores grand parenting as it reflects element of a blessings.
For all of us – by the power of the Holy Spirit – that we help each other to live and breathe into an everyday commitment to – embrace sacred space for learning, care, Scripture, prayer, being still and generating the gift of community. Take a drink of the Living Water – and then offer a glass to others.
What can grandparents do for their grandchildren, and all generations – Invite, Ignite and Unite!
Suggested Resources
- The Basic Elements of the Blessing
1. Meaningful touch
2. A spoken message
3. Attaching high value to the one being blessed
4. Picturing a special future for the one being blessed
5. Taking an active commitment to fulfill the blessing
From – The Blessing, by Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D. Find the book on Amazon - Grand Days – Ideas for sharing faith moments between grandparents and grandkids. Find to book through ALOA
- Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. Find the book on Amazon
- Joyfully Aging – A Christian Guide – By Rich Bimler, Ambassador of Health, Hope and Aging. Find the book on Amazon
- On YouTube: check out the Gramasota Sue video referenced in the webinar.
- How a bench and a team of grandmothers can tackle depression – from the Friendship Bench in Zimbabwe. friendshipbenchzimbabwe.org
Hear a Ted Talk clip on the Friendship Bench - Games, Kids and Christian Education – by Susan Lennartson. Find the book on Amazon
Blessing Grandkids at bedtime
When the child is ready for bed – laying down – you can make up your own words and style – create your own blessing – this is what Sue tried:
1. Hand on head – May God guide your thoughts, dreams, visions, ideas, decisions
2. Hand on shoulder – May God keep you healthy and strong
3. Hand to hands – May God use your hands to reach out and serve others
4. Touch feet – May God cause you to walk in peace – to be a peacemaker and explore the world
5. Hand to head – make the sign of the cross on their forehead – I ask this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – Amen
6. Grandma loves you – (child’s name) – kiss on forehead – see you in the morning – sleep well – thanks for the day!
As our grandchildren age – this is not a regular blessing – and so It may be a hug good night – God bless you! Process timing, what is welcomed, each child, who you are – be sensitive.
Contact information for our presenter:
Sue Lennartson
suelennartson@gmail.com
To schedule retreats, speaking and workshops please contact Sue at suelennartson@gmail.com