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Weekly Devotional

January 23, 2012

God’s Peace be with you all.

Luke 18:15-17  ¹⁵ People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.  ¹⁶ But Jesus called for them and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."

            One of the things that council will be working on for this year is some guidelines for our nursery.   Over the past few years, we have used the nursery in multiple ways, but mainly for the kids during the majority of church.  However, as our kids are getting older, it is time to look at and discuss how we can best use this space in the context of worship.

            Something that I have mentioned on several occasions is that Connie, Christine, Patti, and Carrie often need more help with the nursery during worship.  I know they are appreciative when others help.  However, it is always either the parents or grandparents that do indeed help.  Yesterday Robyn helped Carrie bring the kids back up, and often she, Sandy, or Barbara will help out when needed.  In an ideal situation, there should always be another adult present.  That adult does not have to (and in my opinion should not) always be another parent or grandparent.  Those that bring their children or grandchildren to church are doing an amazing thing.  The least we as a congregation can do is help.  As a whole, we need to be willing to help so that all our parents and grandparents that bring their children/grandchildren get the opportunity to participate in worship just like the rest of us.

            This brings me to the other part of this conversation.  We are at the point where many of our kids are old enough to stay upstairs during worship.  There has been multiple times where they have been upstairs and have been fine.  Does this mean they are always going to be quiet?  No.  As adults are we always quiet? No (prime example yesterday during the prelude).  There will be times that there is noise from a child, but that is ok.  In those moments I hope you can think of the bible verse above.  Then think about this:  in 2007 we only had 3 children under the age of 10 at church.  Yesterday we had 9 under ten, and an additional 4 teenagers.

In the baptismal vows, several promises are made.  The parents make promises, and the congregation as a whole makes promises.  Connie, Christine, and Carrie do a fine job of providing Sunday School for the kids every week.  They also go above and beyond (as do others) to help the kids during the Sunday morning worship.   However, it is time that this conversation begins.  If you have input about it, please let me know.  Again, this is a conversation that we can begin now, and see where it leads.

In our prayers this week:  Brent and David Schaeffer, Ann, Scott S., Nellie, Rich Van Wagoner, and Mike C.

God’s Peace,