Jesus said to his friends, “Let the children come to me; do not stand in their way, for to them belongs the kingdom of God.” - Mark 10:14b-15
I don’t know what I expected, but when Donna, Joyce and I saw the children make their way from the stairway into the church, it wasn’t what I expected. Maybe it’s because my own son is in his last year of middle school, and I was expecting the kids to look more like him. Maybe it’s because I forgot just how tiny preschool kids are. But there they were, a dozen or so little faces, little arms, and BIG eyes!
And they were so respectful. As they entered the sanctuary, their teacher, aid and room parent reminded them that they were coming into a special space. So they walked with care, maybe even an involuntary reverence, and they approached the front of the church. We had placed a candle there on a small table, just a reminder that this was a special time.
Noonday prayer – modified for these young people. I reminded myself that their attention spans were not much more than three to five minutes (which on long days or after a busy week is a good two minutes longer than my own!). “The Lord be with you!” “And also with you!” A quick version of “Happy First Day of School” (set to the tune of “The Birthday Song” – pretty sure they all knew that one), followed by Donna’s reading of the scripture above (loosely paraphrased by me). Joyce offered prayers for the start of the school year, for friends old and new, teachers and those who help them, families and all who care for us. I offered a final blessing: “God created you; God loves you; God is with you. God blesses you!” We closed with a song – “Jesus Loves Me.” While I thought that they might all know this camp classic, only one youngster on the far end knew the tune and the words (and did she sing out!).
It is wonderful feeling the life in the church. I’ve been at St. Mary’s since the fall of 2009, and for almost all of my office hours, whether Saturday mornings or Thursday afternoons, the place has been quiet as the grave. Not that an introvert doesn’t appreciate silence, but aside from myself and the occasional visitor, there has been no life around me. Outside the doors, beyond the buildings, sure, but nothing inside. Which confronted me with the question – what have we to give to those around us? How can we be better stewards of this building, this property, which we have inherited from those who went before us, and how can we use this building to share in Christ’s mission? How can we share our stories with those who don’t know of Christ’s love?
After our quick service, I asked they had any questions. While most volunteered stories about their dogs and cats, one young man asked, “Why is there a church connected to our school?” I smiled, and explained that we had a building that wasn’t getting much use, and when Miss Chelsie Rudzinski came to us and asked if the YMCA could use the building, we said, “Sure!” I don’t think I answered his question, but I think I answered mine. And maybe even yours.
