Children in the Church

24Jun
Then little 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; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. 
-Matthew 19:13-22


I grew up in a family that was very strict about the rule “children should be seen and not heard” in church. To act up in service, especially if the transgression was so bad it caused my parents to take us out of the sanctuary for correction, was a mistake you only made once. 


Which may be why I love this passage from Matthew so much. 


I know that there are some (many?) in the congregation who are annoyed by the whimper, rustling, even shout from our youngest members. Particularly if it happens in the middle of a compelling sermon or the somber ritual of the Great Thanksgiving. I feel it too at times - a trait imprinted on me by my family. But this passage and its memorialization in the beautiful stained glass window that graces the right side of the sanctuary should serve as a gentle reminder. It is the children whom Jesus adored and welcomed, not the “judgey” adults. So it behooves us to smile and welcome them too.


If you haven’t read it in a while, our weekly bulletin has gorgeous language that speaks to this. I applaud Ashley Bond and the formation team for reminding us of Jesus’s teaching each week:


To Parents: Relax! God put the wiggle in children. Don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome. 


To the Members of our Parish: The presence of children is a gift to the Church! They are members of our community and a reminder that our parish is growing. Please welcome our children and give a smile of encouragement to the parents. 


Musical Reflection - Jesus Loves Me - Samford A Cappella Choir: Jesus Loves Me (arr. Doris Nelson)



Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true, and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

BCP 829

Spiritual Practice

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