Children are not just the future of the church, they are the present

Have you seen the YouTube video of the two little pageant shepherds who use their crooks to start their own Star Wars lightsaber battle? You’ve probably seen this or another viral video, or have many stories from your own childhood or from your own children, of kids doing hilarious things at church. You know: the member of the children’s choir who sings too loud and off key, the acolyte who leads the procession in the wrong direction, the wise man whose crown obscures his vision and causes him to bump into a wall. In the moment the congregation elbows one another and chuckles. As the years go by we retell these stories, smiling and chuckling at the fond memories.

St. Andrew’s is such a welcoming church for children. With welcome bags, children’s church, acolyte participation, and more, we make it clear that children are important members of our church. Perhaps you’ve heard Rev. Marc or someone else say, “Children are not just the future of the church, they are the present.”
 
On Sunday, February 5, our children’s church participants are singing “This Little Light of Mine” during worship. The way we receive their song will help determine how our children view themselves and their membership in our community. We are not just training them to take over one day (although that’s certainly part of it), nor are we being entertained by their adorableness (although they will certainly be adorable). Their song is a gift from them to their church family. We are here to look at them with the eyes of a loving family member because that is indeed what we are: a church family. We are here to feel strengthened in our own faith by witnessing what our children have to offer. What a blessing this is for our children, and for all of us.
 
Ginny Chilton