Children's books of Huguenot Memorial Church

I have always liked books. English major. Children's books have held a special appeal to me. Books written for children can be amazing: in words and images they may carry profound truth. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program makes good use of children's books. Intergenerational conferences often included a time of bed-time stories in which staff read books of peace and justice.

Why this focus on children's books?

On Friday, September 2, I visited Huguenot Memorial Church (Presbyterian) in Pelham, New York. We were planning a seminar for the church at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.We might not be able to come to you, but we would love to help plan a seminar for your congregation or other group. Contact us.

My visit involved a tour and conversations with Rev. Jacob Bolton, Rev. Stephen Michie, Mr. Floyd Tolliver, and Ms. Teisha Hickman, all of whom told me about the church and its ministry. I learned of children's programming, mission trips, ministries to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, efforts to address hunger, support for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, participation in Habitat for Humanity and more. I saw the chapel, the stained glass in the sanctuary, the chapel that can be used in a variety of ways, the columbarium, an incredible triptych proclaiming the birth of Jesus, and the the gymnasium where cabarets, gymnastics, and basketball take place (not necessarily at the same time). All testaments to faithful disciples of Jesus.

Things really clicked when we entered the library. I checked the shelves and suddenly the corner that houses the children's library caught my eye. Bright colors. New books. Diverse titles. Some I knew; some I recognized; some new to me; some in the pictures; some on a list of books for families living in a multifaith world.

I have already started to look for some of the books in the pictures. I invite you to do the same.

See you along the Trail.

The child in 29A

The eyes of the child in 29A grew wide as
turbulence buffeted the plane on its approach to ATL-
wind gusts pushed it from side to side and up and down.

The face of the child in 29A turned pale as
the plane finally hit the ground with
a thud,
a thunk,
a thump.

The gasp of the child in 29A could be easily heard as
the plane fishtailed down the runway
before slowing to taxiing speed.

The mouth of the child in 29A smiled, slightly smiled, as
the woman in 29C said,
"I told you we would be OK."

The ears of the child in 29A did not hear as
the woman in 29C turned and said 'cross the aisle:
"That really was pretty rough."
"We're walking away," said 29D.
"Any landing you walk away from is a good landing."
"Amen," added 29E.

The hands of the child in 29A, as
the plane neared the gate,
began to torment his brother.

19 July 2011
DL 1716, DL 485

Sad and mournful

They lose their fight to hold back tears
as they struggle for the words to say goodbye.
An awkward final embrace, then
a flight attendant gently takes the child's hand.

At jetway entry, the child turns.
From under a mop of yellow curls,
red-rimmed eyes look where the father stands.
Brave waves exchanged,
the child continues toward the plane.

The father steps to the window,
presses his hands, leans his forehead.
To support himself?
To try to pass through the glass?
Condensate forms underneath his nose.
He stares at the plane as passengers embark.

The jetway retracts,
the plan backs away.
Until it disappears from view,
the father's fixed gaze follows.
Then, and only then,
he slowly turns,
rubs his eyes,
and leaves the gate.
Alone.

19 July 2011
Gate C38
Denver International Airport

Children laughed and smiled

In a place,

a place like too many others,

where poverty stalks the streets,

grinding the people in its deadly embrace,

children laughed and smiled at me today.

1997

Guguletu Township

Cape Town, South Africa