Remember Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood? Chances are that you do if you are of a certain vintage, even if it is only from Eddie Murphy's SNL parody. I will admit that I never watched one episode of Mr. Roger's, but my children did. He had a 33-year run with his gentle kids' show, which is the length of time I have been an ordained ministry. I add that because Fred Rogers was an ordained minister as well. This past week there was an homage to Rogers in the form of a conference at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. It marked the tenth anniversary of his death and there two films about his life, as well as seminars. His widow spoke as well. Read this description:
Rogers earned a degree in children’s ministry from the seminary and later was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He never led a church, but saw his career in broadcasting, including 33 years as writer and star of the Pittsburgh-based children’s program, as a ministry.
His show taught children how to respond to challenges, fears, and life transitions. And while it was never overtly religious, it cultivated the virtues: neighborliness, hospitality and respect for others.
Children’s spirituality “is not an add-on to children’s lives but part and parcel of who they are,” said Patricia Crawford, associate professor of education at the University of Pittsburgh. She said the conference helped her understand that children’s sense of “caring and kindness” needs to be nurtured.
I couldn't agree with Crawford's observations more, and I have seen the tremendous benefits of staffing for children's ministry in congregations, as well as having the satisfaction of seeing children and youth mature in faith. Of course our son, Isaac, is a United Church minister doing work with children, youth, and young adults.
Do you remember Mr. Rogers? Did you know he was a minister? What are your thoughts about nurturing the faith of children?
4 comments:
I remember Mr. Rogers, and used to love the start of his program. Not sure why a grandfatherly figure taking his coat and shoes off was so transfixing, but there you go.
I think the quotation you've included in this posting is a good one, and I think it's worth thinking about. We try to get the girls involved in Cupcake Club and soon JYP, but we've agreed we need to do a better job of getting all of us to church with greater frequency.
So yes, it's important!
Yes, I remember Mr. Rogers, and I still hum the opening song fairly frequently... and yes, nurturing children to care and respect others is of utmost importance!
Yes, one of my favourites (along with Mr Dressup) growing up. I didn't know he was a minister. Makes total sense to the comforting presence he offered.
I recall hearing his advice for scared kids after witnessing bad events on the news was to "look for the helpers"....in reflection that is looking for God in the bad time too.
Trying to figure who fills this kind of tv role for kids today? In his own big, purple way Barney was a good guy for our older daughters...(Don't think he has any formal degrees, though)
For all that our culture has changed, those values are enduring. Thanks for your comments.
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