Living in God's Time

Jesus teaches us through parables about the kingdom of God. For example, he uses the story of the mustard seed which grows into a large shrub. Likewise during Ordinary Time many churches use the color green for their stoles, vestments, and banners as an instructional reminder. Green is the color of growth and we can easily be stirred by nature to examine the multitude of variety there is within the hue and then carry this into the color within our sanctuaries. We are constantly inspired by Jesus's clever ways of teaching and using color and symbols is yet another way we can reach especially those that learn visually.

Additionally, as we grow to understand the kingdom of God I think of the questioning strategies that the Children and Worship (http://www.childrenandworship.org/ ) program uses. They teach the children to “wonder” to facilitate growth. For example:

• I wonder what the kingdom of God looks like in today’s scripture?
• I wonder why Jesus told this story?
• I wonder how I would have to change to live as Jesus tells us?
• I wonder what I can do this week to participate in the kingdom of God?

In the midst of this Oridnary Time enjoy the numerous greens, take time to wonder, and be encouraged to grow and lead others to do the same.

*The pictured Mustard Seed stole will be available on eBay (http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZcarrottopstudioQQhtZ-1QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQrdZ0?) beginning 6/28.

If you like these thoughts you may enjoy Living in God’s Time, by Margaret McMillan Persky.

Children and Worship

The gospel is for all persons, regardless of age. The church includes persons of all ages. Worship is a corporate action in which children can be participants with adults. It is through such shared experiences that a child comes to know some things about God. Here are a few of our favorite tips regarding children and worship:

For parents:
It is hard to sit still for long. God knows this and so do we.
Growing up isn’t always easy, but it is well worth the effort.

For the congregation:
Greet the children around you.
Pass the children the offering plate, rather than over their head.
When children give visible worship leadership, respond to them as worship leaders—not as performers!
Always laugh with children, not at them.
Invite a family with children to sit with you.
Be understanding when parents need to take younger children out and then return to worship.
Remember the promise we make at the baptism of the children among us!

For the leadership:
In Children in the Worshiping Community by David Ng and Virginia Thomas it is suggested to read aloud Romans, chapter 12 with a group of children. Are these children not members of the body of Christ, with differing gifts? Can they not show faith and serve and teach and show mercy? Children can love, show honor, be aglow with the Spirit, rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and constant in prayer. The church would not be whole without children.

Children like adults respond to visual stimulation. Think about the vestments, paraments, banners, and bulletin covers your congregation uses. Are the symbols and colors relevant to support the worship? Do they change often enough so the congregation will continue to take notice?

Celebrate, embrace and learn from the children in your midst! Jesus welcomed them, so can we.