Valois United Church

Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 18:1-5, 10 November 22, 2008

Today is Children’s Sabbath.
Two scripture readings today speak to us of children.
Of Jesus accepting children, of Jesus even setting children as a model for adults.

First, though, we need to remind ourselves of the status of children in Jesus’ day. It’s not like today when we have children’s bills of rights, and many laws that specifically protect children. No, the regulations and the philosophy behind them did not exist.

In fact, remember what Herod did to the two and under year olds when he felt that his kingship might be threatened!

Well, the Roman government of the time is an extreme example, but that they could think of doing something like that.... !

At very least, while we say “don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched”, in Jesus’ day the common attitude was a bit like “don’t count your people until they’re adults.”

But Jesus who consistently stood up for the least stands up for the children, giving them their place.

What about church? Do we give children their place?

100 years ago, there was Sunday School. That was not at the same time as the church service. The children were expected to attend church services as well - and behave like little adults, seen but not heard.

But our expectations have changed.
For the better.
But we have to keep working on this, so that adults and children can co-exist in worship, so that both can encounter meaning and depth.

There are some things that children need more than adults.
Movement - their own, and something that moves to watch, not just a talking-head minister.

That means drama - but you know, if it catches the children’s attention, it catches ours.
So we all win, if we’ll go with it.

Music - Well, children do like the classics.
But they like other music as well.
Music with movement and actions!
Music with rhythm....
That’s why some of the African tunes and Gospel music can be so helpful ....
And it may be newer to us, but so long as we’re adding variety, not losing what we’re used to.... why not?

Now, when we’re talking about music with children there are a few other things too: more repetition..... heck, how many times does a five year old watch the same video? Or do you have one of those CD players that can be put on to repeat a song? We do. Arrrgggg - boy, do some songs get repeated for a couple of hours.

So children don’t mind repetition, so long as it’s still grabbing their attention.
So sometimes a piece of music will be repeated for several weeks.

There are some other tricks, like having songs that have choruses - if a child can’t read the verses, the child may well memorize the chorus..... “Jesus Loves Me” is a traditional example.

And there are songs of faith that bring funny images into children’s imaginations - not serious stuff.... on the surface. But they sing of faith, and they connect with the lives of the children in our midst.

What is worship about? - engaging people, and engaging them with God.

But to engage, we must continually adapt.

Most people would not drive horse and buggy today on a daily basis
(but many thought that the automobile was a ridiculous idea when it first came along)
And I don’t know of many who want to get rid of all the electrical things in their homes
(Although I once knew someone who would unscrew her light bulbs even after they were turned off, to make sure electricity was not leaking around the house.)
And admit it - most of us have gotten pretty used to microwaves,
and most of the congregation is on the internet

To engage, we must continually adapt.

Jesus was adapted to his time, his place...... we sing music (which I love) from 150 years ago.... FINE, but need to keep incorporating other things.

Children may be interested in the organ.... (which I love)
..... but they RELATE to guitar. (Thanks, Kevin).
They connect to a variety of instruments - including keyboard instruments, including the piano.

It sometimes seems that children’s attention span is getting shorter
- and we blame TV,
but part of it may be too that in 1908 the child might well get what-for if he or she caused any disturbance.... they may not have actually been paying attention, but just making sure they didn’t move so they did not get in trouble! Not sure of that one.....

But whatever the reasons, if we want children in worship, feeling welcomed in worship,
then we have to have short intervals of different things.
We need to have engaging ways of communicating, including motion.
We need to have music that connects.

That is how we will be able to keep on welcoming them.
That is the way that they will say to mom and dad “let’s go to church”.... that’s how the families will be here.

So, let’s be like Jesus - let’s meet people where they are,
let’s welcome children as they are,
and let us find joy in our community.