Children’s Message Sunday, March 19, 2006--One Great Hour of Sharing

(This is still a work in progress, but I will be away from my computer for a week and wanted to post what I had before I left.)


For 57 years, churches in the United States have been giving money to One Great Hour of sharing. Millions of dollars have been given to help people around the world through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger program and Self Development of People.

For as long as I can remember, we have also been giving kids banks, mostly, these fish shaped banks. Even when I was a kid, we had these fish banks. And so, again, this year, I am happy to give you all fish banks. You will have three weeks to fill your banks. There is a pamphlet that you will get with your bank that gives you some ideas of how you might want to fill your bank, or you may have ideas of your own, or you may do a combination of the ideas from the brochure and your own ideas. No matter how you decide to fill your banks, I will encourage you to fill them up! I hope that on Palm Sunday when you all bring your banks back that we have a bunch of big, heavy fish!

I love the scripture that has been chosen to go with OGHS this year. It comes from Matthew and this is the portion of scripture that was chosen, “When was it that we say you thirsty?” Jesus was telling his disciples that whenever they see anyone who is thirsty (or hungry or in any need) and give them a drink (or helps them in any way) it is like they are doing it to him. And with this offering, I think it is kind of cool to think of it in that way—that every nickel or quarter that we put in our banks will go to help someone in need, and, according to Jesus, helping someone in need is just like helping Jesus.

Let’s Pray:
Loving God
Help us to help your people
Through our offerings to One great hour of sharing.
Amen.

Cloud of Witnesses

Scripture Interpretation for Children’s Chapel
Sunday, March 12, 2006
The Great Cloud of Witnesses, Hebrews 11:1-12:2

Our scripture reading this morning comes from selected verses from Hebrews 11:1-12:2:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible."

The passage goes on to describe great acts of faith by Biblical figures, and if you look at the wonderful pew hangings that the third graders made, or at your bulletin cover, you will see some of their names: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel, and many others. After we hear their names and their great acts of faithfulness, the scripture leaves us with these words:
"39 Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."

* * *
These words from scripture give me great comfort. I really like to think about God watching over me, but there is something just as special about thinking about other people of faith watching over me. Sometimes when you read a bible story, you find something about a character that you can relate to.

Maybe like David, facing the giant Goliath, feel sometimes like you are taking on a task so big that you cannot possibly succeed, yet, like David, you do.

Maybe like the Israelites, you feel unsure sometimes when you have no idea what is next for you, or what changes will come. It can be helpful to think about their faithfulness in the wilderness when you face obstacles.

And just as you have this cloud of witnesses of Biblical figures who you can look to for assurance, I bet you also have a cloud of witnesses of people in your own faith life who can look to. People who have helped shape your faith. Sunday school teachers, camp counselors, ministers, music directors, friends, table parents. Even people not associated with church can be in that cloud—parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.

At the ends of your pews, there are paper clouds and things to write with. Please pass these along your rows. On the cloud, I’d like you to write the name of a person or people who has been a help to you, or draw a quick picture of them. We will hang these clouds in the garth so that we can all be reminded of the cloud of caring people who shape and surround us all in everything that we do. Amen.