Sunday, October 3rd, is World Communion Sunday and it's also Children's Sabbath. Interesting that those two events are simultaneous this year. Appropriate that on a day when Christians all over the world are meeting at the table that we would celebrate the importance of children and remember a day that reminds us to works to build a world that is safe for the children of the world.
The sermon will look at the children who have made a difference in the world. It will take into consideration the baby Moses who was made safe when his mother put him in a basket in the bull rushes. We will think about the Christ Child and the story in Matthew and the trip his parents took with him when he was two years old when they feared for his life and they took him to Egypt.
Throughout the bible there are stories about children and how precious and vulnerable they are.
It may be that the greatest measure of our civilization is the way in which we treat the children of the world. How do we intercede when they are in trouble? What do we do to be certain they receive the nourishment and shelter to keep them safe?
One of the high moments every Sunday is the Children's Sermon. It is always an inspiration to see them trundle up to the front of the Sanctuary. It is captivating to look into their eyes as they try to interact with the questions we pose for them. It is beyond our prediction to hear the answers they give and the creativity they have.
I will be thinking of the children I have met in the church over the past 41 years. Some of them are doctors and lawyers. Some of them are teachers and poets. Some of them are musicians and several of them have become pastors.
Who are the children you have known? What responsibility does the church have to keep the children safe?
World Communion Sunday is a time to come to the table to be reminded, as we receive the bread and cup (the body and blood--symbolically of Christ) to recall that we are the body of the one who said, "Let the children come to me and forbid them not for to such belongs the Kingdom of God".
If you have thoughts about your childhood or the children you know write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thought click on the "comments" box below. If you would like me to send a rough draft of the sermon Friday or Saturday indicate that and I am happy to email that to you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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