Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, started anew today. We focused on the value and importance of ministry to, with, and for children and youth.
This was part of an ongoing summer series exploring the Jesus Priorities (based on a book by Christopher Maricle)
- Seek God’s Will (The Best Sermon Ever)
- Treasure in Heaven (Is Bigger Always Better and Will More Ever Satisfy?)
- Spread the Word (Called to Live Highly Relational Lives)
- Prayer (Prayer – Just Do It!)
- Healing (Preaching Healing)
Blessing of the Backpacks
The entire service focused on children and youth, including the blessing of the backpacks as many students head back to school tomorrow and others in the days and weeks ahead (begins at 14:30).
Youth Testimonials
Five youth and their leader provided a portion of the sermon (begins at 21:02). Each student provided insight into their experiences at the ELCA Gathering.
Children Are Precious
My message, “The Gift of Children,” was based on Mark 10:13-16.
I preached from this manuscript, but didn’t convey it word for word. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 19:39 and my portion of the message at 28:20).
Excerpt
For some of us the most difficult behavior on this short list is to become like children or to be childlike. We must, however, find our way to this way of being since Jesus in this morning’s reading is quoted as saying, “Anyone who will not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.”
Perhaps becoming like children involves reacquainting ourselves with child-like attributes. One article I read suggested that this means becoming trusting, natural, and spontaneous.
- Trusting. Accept the world around you. Enjoy new people.
- Natural. Be happy being yourself. Don’t worry about what others think.
- Spontaneous. Be caught up in the moment. Do something that isn’t on your calendar.
Imagine being more childlike in your life, but especially in your life of faith . . .