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‘Children in The Way’ was the title of a church report,
published a few years ago now, exploring the place of youngsters in the life of
a worshipping community. It was a classy
title because it contained a pun within a serious point. When the children misbehave in the liturgy
their parents can be made to feel their off-spring are ‘in the way’ of other
people’s devotions. On the other hand,
taking ‘The Way’ as an ancient title for the Body of Christ, there is no better
place to find a child than soaking up the influence of a loving and inspiring
Christian Community.
All of these thoughts have come into focus for me the last
two Sundays at South Street.
A fortnight ago the Junior Church leaders requested I had a ‘farewell’ photo taken with some of the younger members of our Fellowship. I think of all the images I shall take away with me this one will remain a firm favourite.
And then this last Sunday we took a look in the evening service at the gospel reading for the day, Mark 10, in which Jesus says: Let the children come to me, and then goes on to talk about entering the Kingdom like a child. In the prayer-time following, as we lit small candles together, a number of folks lit their night light whilst speaking out a prayer for the youth work of our church.
Earlier in the day, at Morning Service, our worship concluded with Communion and on this occasion the older groups from Junior Church returned to join us. Some sat next to their parents and took the bread and wine, the majority, however, occupied the front couple of rows and received a blessing. For me, as the presiding minister, it was also a blessing – a blessing to pray for these youngsters and a blessing to sense their appreciation in being prayed for. Every Communion is special – yet when the children join us it feels more complete somehow – the whole ‘family’ at prayer as the ‘blessed’ become a blessing for us all.
With best wishes,
A fortnight ago the Junior Church leaders requested I had a ‘farewell’ photo taken with some of the younger members of our Fellowship. I think of all the images I shall take away with me this one will remain a firm favourite.
And then this last Sunday we took a look in the evening service at the gospel reading for the day, Mark 10, in which Jesus says: Let the children come to me, and then goes on to talk about entering the Kingdom like a child. In the prayer-time following, as we lit small candles together, a number of folks lit their night light whilst speaking out a prayer for the youth work of our church.
Earlier in the day, at Morning Service, our worship concluded with Communion and on this occasion the older groups from Junior Church returned to join us. Some sat next to their parents and took the bread and wine, the majority, however, occupied the front couple of rows and received a blessing. For me, as the presiding minister, it was also a blessing – a blessing to pray for these youngsters and a blessing to sense their appreciation in being prayed for. Every Communion is special – yet when the children join us it feels more complete somehow – the whole ‘family’ at prayer as the ‘blessed’ become a blessing for us all.
With best wishes,
Ian
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