A Child Will Lead Us

In a few weeks St. Luke’s will welcome another child to the waters of Baptism. There are three major parts to baptism – Washing of the Water, Blessing of the Holy Spirit, and Welcome into the Family of God. The parents, sponsors, and congregation all make a commitment to help this child grow in faith. We need to remember that those gathered in worship are speaking on behalf of the whole Church and our promise to that child, is really a promise to all children. We live out our commitment to that child by welcoming all children as Jesus instructed…
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“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:37

And calling to him a child, Jesus put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:2-6

And they were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. – Mark 10:13-16/Luke 18:15-17

Even before baptism I am proud that St. Luke’s welcomes children into worship. At a funeral a guest was excited to have her child participate in the Children’s Prayground. She told me it was the first time her daughter enjoyed an entire worship without fussing. The woman took a picture of it and said she was sharing the idea with her church.

Children’s Time and Children’s Church are a way to help children learn the topic of the message when appropriate. Andrea Griner, Director of Children and Family Ministry does a wonderful job. She is quick to add, there is a wonderful group of parents and older students who make Children’s Church a success. Thank you to all the members who share not only the Gospel, but their very lives. 

Our Summer Sunday Worship Readings will come from children and youth programming.

St. Luke’s Vacation Bible School, Snowball Mountain. That teaches resilience, courage, and spiritual strength in fun ways. - June 15-18. Sign up HERE!

Camp Wapo’s theme, Revealed. God is revealed in the Bible, Community, Light, and Revelation. Youth Camp - July 12-17; Children’s Seed’s Camp - July 17-19, and there is Grandparent/Kid Camp - June 28-July 2. Spots are still available. Use St. Luke’s Registration Code: hpps://lwlbci.com/stlukes-blmt

And for our high school youth caring for God’s creation, including one another during a Boundary Waters Trip, August 8-15. Follow Links for INFO and for REGISTER.

So thank you to St. Luke’s for fulfilling your baptism promises as we support the children and youth of our congregation and their friends.

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” - Jesus