Children’s Message

This Children's message was originally given on Sunday, March 27, 2005 (Easter). As I ponder what to do this year, I thought I would post last year's as I continue to search for an idea for one for this year. . . .

* * *

Raise your hand if you saw the movie, “A Bug’s Life”. Like many movies, it ends with the words, “the end” on the screen, and then goes to the credits. You thought it was all over, didn’t you?

But was it really the end? If you remember, during the credits there were some really funny “out-takes” from the movie. Some people think that last bit is one of the best parts of the whole movie.

How often does it happen that you think something is finished, but it really isn’t?
Have you ever finished opening presents on your birthday or Christmas only to find that there is one more extra special present hidden somewhere?
How about on the fourth of July at fireworks as you’re having a picnic and watching fireworks. Has there ever been is a burst so spectacular, you’re sure it must be the end, but then something even more beautiful comes?

Imagine how Jesus’ disciples felt early that first Easter morning. They had been blessed to have Jesus with them as their friend and teacher and leader, and they treasured that special time with him, but they were sad because they saw Jesus on the cross and they thought it was all over.

When the two Marys got to the tomb that morning, they suddenly were surprised with the wonderful news that it was not all over! Jesus had risen from the dead!

It was not the end of the story as Jesus’ disciples had expected, it was a whole new beginning. What Good News!

Let’s pray: Loving God
We rejoice in the Good News!
We thought it was all over
But Jesus Christ is risen indeed!
Alleluia, amen!

Children’s Message—OGHS Bank Collection

Sunday, April 9, 2006 (Palm Sunday)

Wow—that is a lot of banks! Thank you for doing such a great job filling them up and bringing them in.

Now, who remembers what our theme for OGHS this year was? (water).

Have you ever had a leaky faucet at your house? The water just slowly drips out, but it does it all the time? It seems like it is hardly worth worrying about—not enough to clean the dinner dishes or wash your face or even brush your teeth. Now, have you ever pulled the drain shut in that sink to see what happens? Imagine if you pulled the drain shut on a leaky sink for three weeks—do you think all those drips would add up to a full sink? Do you think there would be enough to do the dishes? Wash your face? Brush your teeth?

I kind of like thinking about our banks that way. You all had these banks for three weeks, and in that time, hopefully, you paused every day or every few days or once each week and added some coins to your bank. And just like little drips of water, each coin that each one of you gathered together, which might not seem very impressive or useful alone, suddenly becomes two big heaping baskets full of HEAVY fish that we can share with One Great Hour of Sharing to help people make a real difference in their lives, and for that I certainly give thanks!

Let’s pray: Loving God
We ask you to send our love
Along with this money
To places of need in the world.
Amen.