He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:36-37 NIV)
How to welcome children in the community we call the "church" or "congregation" is often on my mind. This Sunday, I am hoping due to a return to below zero temperatures, attendance was very low at worship. There were thirty-nine in attendance. Nine were children of pre-school and/or elementary age; as well as four teen-agers. Fully one/third of our congregation, this Sunday, were young people. Most of the youth came with a parent or other close relative, so we had families worshipping together. It warms my heart to have the little children participating in worship and, yes, they do participate in worship. We welcome them as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We welcome all people. While it is good (awesome) to see their eager young faces, looking for love and fellowship; I wondered where the older brothers and sisters (adults) in Christ were to reciprocate. Our children look at the congregation as a family; a place where they are unconditionally loved. Where are all their older brothers and sisters in Christ when they could be there to welcome the little children?
Our children need a safe and welcoming place. They need a place where they can all feel truly included. They need to get to know Jesus and the love and peace that He brings. Wherever you are, join in worship, welcoming all of God's children.
But, you have to be present in order to do that.
God's Peace - Pr. J
BTW... Having children make up 1/3 of the congregation is not a problem! It is a very good thing! It wasn't long ago, we were hoping just to have a few join us every now and then.
How to welcome children in the community we call the "church" or "congregation" is often on my mind. This Sunday, I am hoping due to a return to below zero temperatures, attendance was very low at worship. There were thirty-nine in attendance. Nine were children of pre-school and/or elementary age; as well as four teen-agers. Fully one/third of our congregation, this Sunday, were young people. Most of the youth came with a parent or other close relative, so we had families worshipping together. It warms my heart to have the little children participating in worship and, yes, they do participate in worship. We welcome them as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We welcome all people. While it is good (awesome) to see their eager young faces, looking for love and fellowship; I wondered where the older brothers and sisters (adults) in Christ were to reciprocate. Our children look at the congregation as a family; a place where they are unconditionally loved. Where are all their older brothers and sisters in Christ when they could be there to welcome the little children?
Our children need a safe and welcoming place. They need a place where they can all feel truly included. They need to get to know Jesus and the love and peace that He brings. Wherever you are, join in worship, welcoming all of God's children.
But, you have to be present in order to do that.
God's Peace - Pr. J
BTW... Having children make up 1/3 of the congregation is not a problem! It is a very good thing! It wasn't long ago, we were hoping just to have a few join us every now and then.
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