Children's Library

Our Children's Library

On Sunday, April 30, we were pleased to celebrate the dedication of our new children's lending library.  This project was made possible by the Hessinger family as a gift to honor the memory of Jean Hessinger, a lifelong lover of books and learning who made teaching her life's work.  The starting collection includes more than 240 volumes, including board books for the littlest ones, picture books for all ages, and chapter books for older youths and young adults.  Many different genres are represented:  Bible stores, literature, spiritual formation, biography, history, poetry, holidays, and community/peace/world religions. 

We invite others to help us build the collection by donating a book in memory/honor of a loved one, or in celebration of a special day.  Visit the library to look at our book wish list.  View our Gift Policy here.

 

Prayer of Dedication:

For the sacred encounter with God's word
in scripture and story,
in the lives of the saints and heroes,
in the illustrations of artists
and the dreams of poets—

We dedicate this library.

For the opening and enlargement of heart and mind,
for the learning about the church and the diversity of human cultures,
for the teaching of wisdom and understanding;

We dedicate this library.

For nurturing children and parents,
for their inspiration and illumination,
For encouraging young people to wrestle with truth,
and calling them to a life of lovingkindness and mercy,

We dedicate this library.

For spiritual renewal,
for the feeding of imaginations,
for the nurture of hopes and dreams,
for the strengthening of the soul
through the joy of reading—

We dedicate this library.

For building up the beloved community,
so that our young people may learn the ways of service,
and the acceptance of difference,
and the path of virtue,
and the calling to honor all people.

We dedicate this library.

With gratitude for the memory and legacy of Jean Hessinger,
our dearly departed sister in faith
whose love of reading and vocation of teaching
is honored in this room and in these books—

We dedicate this library.

May this place and these books
be a place to meet the risen Christ,
and to know God's love,
and to rest in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

For we dedicate this library in the name of God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God!