Children's Sermon: Fire Kite
I have a kite that is decorated with bright red flames. I'm going to use this to talk to the children about how the Holy Spirit is visualized as wind, and flame, as Holy force moving. We don't see the Spirit, but see its effects. We're VERY well acquainted with wind out here, so I think the imagery will work for them. I'm going to swoosh the kite above and around them, perch it on a few of their heads, keep it unexpected and random.
Sermon Thoughts:
Faith as a verb. The Action aspect of our life of discipleship (last week I talked about the "waiting on the Lord" aspect of discipleship). Holy Spirit giving us what is needed for the tasks God gives. Trusting in that, stepping out of the room, and flowing with the Spirit's leading.
Need to develop more here, sermon hasn't gone far. We tend to undervalue or ignore the Holy Spirit, so trying to think about how to make it more discernable/understandable. Emphasize the importance of the work of the Spirit!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Water Dance of the Hippos
At the St. Louis Zoo
I love her expression - "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!"
I love her expression - "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!"The St. Louis Zoo is WONderful. Check it out if you're ever in the vicinity!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sabbath Rest
Quiet Sunday afternoon.
Sabbath rest is usually something I have NO chance to enjoy. But today, I get a taste. Lil' P is watching "Cinderella 2" with my mom. My dad and I are stretched out in the living room, looking out at the warm sunny day, enjoying the birds singing, chatting a little, sharing what's on our hearts. And resting.
Ahh, it's good.
We've both decided that a nap is a delicious idea, so I'll drift away to dreams with the song of birds in my ears and the contentment of family around me in my heart.
My cup overflows.
Sabbath rest is usually something I have NO chance to enjoy. But today, I get a taste. Lil' P is watching "Cinderella 2" with my mom. My dad and I are stretched out in the living room, looking out at the warm sunny day, enjoying the birds singing, chatting a little, sharing what's on our hearts. And resting.
Ahh, it's good.
We've both decided that a nap is a delicious idea, so I'll drift away to dreams with the song of birds in my ears and the contentment of family around me in my heart.
My cup overflows.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Blessing of Sunday School Teachers
Below is a very simple blessing I wrote for this year's closing of Sunday school and blessing & thanks of Sunday school teachers. We're going to call the teachers forward where the kids will all be waiting, and the smaller children are all going to take a line of the litany (it's a small Sunday school). Then the kids will present the teachers with gifts and hugs. This all will take place before the Prayers of the People, so the theme can continue into the time of prayer.
Leader: Today we bring our year of Sunday school to a close.
Child: We give thanks for our teachers,
Child: who spent their time with us,
Child: who taught us stories from the Bible
Child: and about the great love of Jesus.
Child: God loves you.
Child: And so do we!
Leader: We thank God for the blessings of this Sunday school year and for the people who answered God’s call to teach. Let’s show our thanks with a round of applause!
Leader: Today we bring our year of Sunday school to a close.
Child: We give thanks for our teachers,
Child: who spent their time with us,
Child: who taught us stories from the Bible
Child: and about the great love of Jesus.
Child: God loves you.
Child: And so do we!
Leader: We thank God for the blessings of this Sunday school year and for the people who answered God’s call to teach. Let’s show our thanks with a round of applause!
Parental Units
The Parents Have Landed!
My folks have made their way from their winter home, to my brothers, now to our place. They are sick of driving! Lil' Princess was thrilled when they arrived, and had to show them all her birthday presents. It was tough to get her to bed, she finally agreed when Grandma said she would tuck her in and read her a book.
It's so good to have them here. We're sitting around, talking, laughing, swapping stories, enjoying the company. I'm just soaking it in. We have them for just a few days, so it's precious time!
I also should get my sermon written, durn it anyway. Inspiration, where are youuuuu?
My folks have made their way from their winter home, to my brothers, now to our place. They are sick of driving! Lil' Princess was thrilled when they arrived, and had to show them all her birthday presents. It was tough to get her to bed, she finally agreed when Grandma said she would tuck her in and read her a book.
It's so good to have them here. We're sitting around, talking, laughing, swapping stories, enjoying the company. I'm just soaking it in. We have them for just a few days, so it's precious time!
I also should get my sermon written, durn it anyway. Inspiration, where are youuuuu?
Friday, May 02, 2008
Working on Ascension Sermon
Time to GET SERIOUS about Sunday's sermon.
RevDad is focusing on the theme of Jesus' actions shining glory on God, and how we continue to do this beautiful work after his Ascension. This is a part of our calling as disciples. His sermon is still a work in progress, but that's the direction he's taking.
I'm still fixed on the thought of what Jesus' Ascension means for us. Why do we need to care? What does it mean to us? I've been thinking - Jesus' Ascension allows us (us as the body of Christ), invites us, pushes us, requires us to step out. Jesus is not confined to one place and time, and neither is the church. We're not just about getting together and drinking coffee once a week. We're about living in the kingdom, showing God's glory, and speaking the Gospel. The Ascension reminds us of the Bigger Picture, pulls us out of our complascency, and says that something amazing is happening around and through us. And it also gets us ready for Pentecost.
Not sure how to preach it. With Lil' Princess' b-day party tomorrow, there won't be much time to work on it. Holy Spirit, grant me inspiration!
RevDad is focusing on the theme of Jesus' actions shining glory on God, and how we continue to do this beautiful work after his Ascension. This is a part of our calling as disciples. His sermon is still a work in progress, but that's the direction he's taking.
I'm still fixed on the thought of what Jesus' Ascension means for us. Why do we need to care? What does it mean to us? I've been thinking - Jesus' Ascension allows us (us as the body of Christ), invites us, pushes us, requires us to step out. Jesus is not confined to one place and time, and neither is the church. We're not just about getting together and drinking coffee once a week. We're about living in the kingdom, showing God's glory, and speaking the Gospel. The Ascension reminds us of the Bigger Picture, pulls us out of our complascency, and says that something amazing is happening around and through us. And it also gets us ready for Pentecost.
Not sure how to preach it. With Lil' Princess' b-day party tomorrow, there won't be much time to work on it. Holy Spirit, grant me inspiration!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Sweet Birthday Girl
Today my darling Lil' Princess turned 5!!!
The big event for the day was going to the nearest big shopping town so that Lil' P could pick out her Big Girl Bike. It was a big deal! I had a "whoa" moment as I held her steady on the bike as she tried it out in the store. It's such a big bike, I thought. How can I have a child big enough for this bike?
Today she declared that since she is now a big girl, she is going to get dressed totally on her own, pour her own juice, and a variety of other independant declarations. We have been working and working to get her to this point with these things, so its Great to hear her saying these things.
BUT.
My little girl!
So independant...so growing in confidence...so tall...
My baby is gone. This mama is quietly mourning that fact even as I celebrate the girl that is vibrantly emerging and dancing through our lives.
Happy 5th Birthday, my miracle baby. Mommy loves you!
The big event for the day was going to the nearest big shopping town so that Lil' P could pick out her Big Girl Bike. It was a big deal! I had a "whoa" moment as I held her steady on the bike as she tried it out in the store. It's such a big bike, I thought. How can I have a child big enough for this bike?
Today she declared that since she is now a big girl, she is going to get dressed totally on her own, pour her own juice, and a variety of other independant declarations. We have been working and working to get her to this point with these things, so its Great to hear her saying these things.
BUT.
My little girl!
So independant...so growing in confidence...so tall...
My baby is gone. This mama is quietly mourning that fact even as I celebrate the girl that is vibrantly emerging and dancing through our lives.
Happy 5th Birthday, my miracle baby. Mommy loves you!
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