Family

A few days ago, we welcomed our first grandchild. He fought his way into the world one month early and has been stubbornly fighting his way to good health ever since. As we wonder at this little wonder, I am reminded, once again, of the importance of extended family.  He is surrounded by not only his blood family, but also his family of God. They have been praying for him and for his mom. Words of encouragement and support have helped them during this emotional time. This extended family will continue to provide prayer, encouragement and help in the days, weeks and years ahead. Mom and Dad are not alone in raising their son, but have grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many surrogate parents and grandparents to lend support.

This, I believe, is one of the greatest advantages of smaller membership churches. The church becomes family, supporting one another in their faith journey and in their day-to-day lives. They know one another by name. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses and love one another because and in spite of who they are. A child or teen walks into the church building and feels right at home. The adults call them by name and are an integral part of their lives. Teachers and church friends become role models and mentors. Through the love of the other adults in the church, they have proof of God's love. The church family truly becomes the village that it takes to raise a child.

Prepare the way....

As the Postlude was playing, the children waited in line out in the Narthex, a blue or purple scarf in each hand.  They listened as Ms. Eloise sang "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord."  As the congregation joined in, the children stepped out, one at time, and processed toward the altar table, waving their scarves high, reaching up toward God.  After they laid their scarves on the table, they arranged themselves in the pulpit area, ready to lead the Call to Worship.

What a blessed way to begin worship each Sunday in Advent. The children were excited to be able to contribute in such an active way, and the adults loved being lead by these enthusiastic children.  Most weeks we had about 6 children involved.  The week they joined the adult choir in providing the anthem, there were 9 children participating.  Then there was the last Sunday of Advent -- a cold rainy day 3 days before Christmas; two children faithfully led.  

The church family equally welcomed the larger group of 9 children and the smaller group of 2.  It really didn't matter how many children were there to help lead worship.  What mattered was the enthusiastic willingness to be an active leader in worship.  The children learned a lot more than the words to "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord."  They learned that they were an integral part of the family of God.