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Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place
his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked
those
who brought them. Jesus said, “Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -- Mathew 19:13-14
Right,two very important parishioners dressed to the nines for Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. |
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[Jesus] took a little child and had him stand
among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever
welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me;
and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who
sent me.” Mark 9:36-37
In a traditional United Methodist children’s baptism, the pastor
addresses the congregation, “Our
Lord has expressly given to little children a place among the
people of God, which holy privilege must not be denied them.”
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After
the children are baptized, the pastor addresses the congregation by saying, “I
commend to your love and care these children, whom we this day
recognize
as members of the family of God. Will you endeavor so to live
that they may grow in the knowledge and love of God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ?”
The people then reply, “With
God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ,
that these children, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established
in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that
leads to life eternal.” |
The people of Grace Church follow through on this sacred pledge in
many ways. Of course, we baptize children (and adults as well). Below, Pastor Marla baptized three Rhoads children at the 10:30 worship on Sunday, June 10, 2007; and above-left, baptized three Houser children on Sunday, December 30, 2007.
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Dianne Jordan (left) kidded with her charges Alyssa and Mary Jo as she guided their work at the Advent Workshop (first Sunday of Advent, 2007, in the gymnasium) |
We
provide child
care starting
early Sunday morning, children’s Sunday
school, and children’s church.
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Above left, Fran Paschall offered some one-one-with with the day’s reading, “Trouble in Paradise.” -- photographs courtesy of Carol Jones
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Vacation Bible School 2007
Grace presented Galilee by-the-Sea vacation Bible school June 18-22, 2007. During this week, each participating child became a member of one of the tribes of ancient Israel.
Daily lessons based on passages from the Gospel according to Matthew taught the children how Jesus chooses us, teaches us, heals us, protects us, and provides for us.
Below, the mornings began with a Bible lesson taught by Bible storyteller par excellence Barbara Blacklock. |
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David Larson portrayed a rabbi of Jesus’ time, teaching the children about the traditions of the Jews while puzzling himself about Jesus. |
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... complete with the Torah. |
In the parlor, Candy Schwarz served up snacks ...
... with the able assistance of her helpers ...
... and she took the opportunity to teach the children about God’s bountiful provisions for us, not only in material things such as food, but also love. Below, Candy gathered the tribe of Judah (led by Susan Bennett, right) around the well.
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| Arts and crafts were in Fellowship Hall. There, children made sandals in the style of Jesus’ time. Step one was marking foot-sized pieces of the sole material. |
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Next came a little snipping, a little threading, a little tying -- then, 21st century shoes came off, and Jesus-style sandals went on!
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Small ceramic items were made, too.
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Nova’s steady hands guided Ja’Mil’s ... |
... as he painted his pottery. |
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There was a whole lotta rompin’ going on in the gymnasium, led by Jackie Borda. At left, she was mobbed by her some of her fans. |
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The 10:30 worship service features children’s moments. On All Saints’ Day, October 30, 2005, Candy Schwarz taught the children about the saints surrounding us -- and the saints that we are to be for the glory of God!
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