The Advent of Children

It seems our church members are getting shorter these days. There are crowds of little people running through the halls, fingerprinting our walls and interrupting our thoughtful meetings. How delightful!

Several years ago the Session, while on retreat, courageously elected to focus on ministry to children, youth and their families. This was courageous because we didn’t have many children in the church at that time. As a pastor I prepared my children’s sermons with trepidation. I scanned the pews for those midget Presbyterians as I processed to the chancel. Would any children come forward when I gave the invitation?

Mysteriously they have arrived. Today I hear little voices giggling down the hall in our new Preschool. They troop happily through our sunken garden looking for treasures in God’s creation. They scamper over the new play ground graciously given by a generous couple in our church. I give in to the lure of their happy voices occasionally and peek in the door of their classroom. The children’s immediate smiles are contagious.

Faith Weaver Friends provides another energetic venue for the young. The re-creation of our mid-week children’s program has been met with enthusiastic participation. About 40 preschool and elementary children snuggle into the sanctuary each Wednesday night for song, dance and drama around God’s word. Then, under the supervision of seven wonderful High School leaders, they circle through activity stations: fun and games, music, arts and crafts, cooking, and journaling. I saw several sets of bright eyes beaming from the faces of adult leaders last Wednesday as they interacted with these little ones.

The children have definitely appeared. They hold hands in the sanctuary. They hide behind doors and whisper secrets. They empty the candy dishes in the pastor’s studies. They carefully redistribute the toys from the busy bags, making sure each child has a favorite. They say the profoundest things about God in the simplest of terms. They teach us to love. Most importantly, they protect us from the imaginary bears loose in fellowship hall. “They won’t eat any Crispyterians,” assures my little friend. Thank God for the children!