November 15, 2018

By: Sarah Lehrke Gonzales

RENEWING GOD’S HOUSE TOGETHER THROUGH GROWING AND LEARNING:  Matthew 18:1-4:  At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a child whom he put among them, and said,” Truly I tell you unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 

Faith through the eyes and heart of a child is a wonderful thing to experience.  Teaching kindergarten Sunday school for the past thirteen years has shown me what Jesus meant when he told the disciples to become like children.

 

Reading Bible stories to them, and trying to explain why Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, or why Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den, or why the disciples had fire on their heads during Pentecost, can lead to some very interesting conversations.  The other teacher and I have often said we should write down some of the comments and questions the children come up with during discussions. They can be so profound, yet simple and have a crystal-clear understanding of faith, that we teachers are caught off guard and amazed at their brilliance.

 

I’ve often thought if my faith could be more like a kindergartner, I would be a much better person, a better friend, a better parent, a better Christian.  I envy the children’s clarity and trust, though it’s isn’t naivety so much as it is just pure unbiased truth. The children see the world as a generally good place and in that way can experience God’s love as it was meant to be experienced, freely given to all who wish to receive it.

 

So, when anyone asks me why I continue to teach year after year, my answer is that I still have more to learn from the children.  Salem, thank you for allowing me the privilege to “teach” your children about Jesus, I’ve learned a lot more from them than I could ever teach to them.  

 

Loving Father, Thank you for the gift of children. Help us to remember to become like children in our faith.  Be with us during our capital appeal as we work to rebuild your house by welcoming through faith, so that we can provide a place for children to continue to grow in faith.  Amen.

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Salem Lutheran Church affiliated with the E.L.C.A. Salem is a vibrant welcoming Lutheran community that, through the grace of Jesus Christ, is connected within by love and reaching out in hope to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with one another, the community and the world.

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DUE TO THE WEATHER AND CONTINUED RAIN IN THE FORECAST OUTDOOR WORSHIP IS CANCELLED FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 at 7PM