Pastor Lou

13 Then children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.  Matthew 19:13-15

LET THE CHILDREN COME

Jesus welcomed children openly: “Let the little children come to me”. Traditionally, children were present in worship from the time of Moses through the New Testament.  Children are part of our church community now, not just future members waiting to grow up. What a blessing for our congregation to have children worshipping with us.

We adults can and do learn and grow alongside children.

But sometimes we can slip into our adult ways. I remember an account of one of those congregations that do not allow children to receive the means of grace in Holy Communion. As adults went forward to receive the Sacrament, a child was wondering what was happening. So, she turned to one of her parents and asked, “What is the pastor saying to the people when they go up there?” The parent responded, “You shouldn’t talk in church.” So, for years this poor child thought that at Communion the pastor was not saying, “This is the Body of Christ given for you” but rather the pastor was telling every communing member “You shouldn’t talk in church”!!! Unfortunately, that can be the message we give our children, not so much Jesus loves you, accepts you, blesses you -- but “You shouldn’t talk in church.”

It’s not that we should not model and guide our children in worship, but we can be sending the wrong messages without even realizing it. A little noise is normal in a living, active congregation. Churches are not quiet libraries; but places of people of all ages receiving Jesus’ blessings and growing in the God’s grace. We are a family of faith, but like any family there will be some commotion at times.

There is so much that children offer. Personally, I both love and am challenged by the spontaneity of children. I have done worship for years, but for children so much is new and fresh. Sometimes they remind me once again to loosen up my pre-planned ways. Afterall, God might be using them to do something special as we come together in this community of faith. Also, there is a perspective that children have that makes me rethink my old patterns of understanding. The things they say and the questions they ask! It is a gift.

When I look to our children, I see siblings filled with life with something new to be learned, explored, experienced. I see seeking minds asking “why?” I hear cries that seek comfort from someone who cares. I look into trusting eyes who look for others who will not let them down. In every child, I see the face of a child of God, created in love and placed in our hands to be nourished by the Spirit.

When we come together in worship, let us learn from one another. Let us live out our faith together remembering that we are all children of God. Together let us celebrate the grace that makes us the people we are.

Along with you, a child of God

Pastor Lou