Have you ever joined a group? A club? Sure! Well, did you know you are part of a very cool group called the church!? I have a passport here for you to fill out. God has invited you to experience belonging, a tru part of our congregation. You are unique and we are so glad you as a part of us! Jesus invited us together to serve each other and others . A passport for a faith adventure that never ends!!Have you ever joined a group? A club? Sure! Well, did you know you are part of a very cool group called the church!? I have a passport here for you to fill out. God has invited you to experience belonging, a tru part of our congregation. You are unique and we are so glad you as a part of us! Jesus invited us together to serve each other and others . A passport for a faith adventure that never ends!!
Do you know what an Advance Team is? When an important plan is underway, like when the President of the United States has to visit, a team of people, an advance team, is sent first to prepare, check it out, bring back information, and be sure its secure for the president’s visit. Let’s experience being on an advance team together. Would you enjoy that? OK! Are you ready? Pay careful attention to the directions, and up in the balcony, you will find a yellow bag. (More details are given you will hear in the message.) Before I send you, let’s pray and ask God to help you. (Prayer.) (Returning with the yellow bag!) Great job. Enjoy the treats in the bag. Choose your favorite! And remember, God has an advance team. You know who that is, right? Yes! You! Now go, listen to Jesus’ word, and enjoy your discovery every day!
Easter is all about… right! Easter bunnies! No? Oh, sure. Easter is about chocolate and other candy! No? Oh, what is Easter about, then? Very good. Easter is all about Jesus. From the wood cross where he died so that you and all can live forever, Jesus was buried in a grave. But when they returned a few days later, the grave was empty! Where did he go? Jesus is risen, he is alive, though he died, he is alive now, for ever! Jesus is near by. With you every day. That’s what Easter is about.
A recent survey of people ages 18-24 revealed that “selfies” are their most popular genre of photography. The result of the survey is supported by evidence from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other media. What’s the difference with a Selfie? Who do you see when you take a selfie? Of course, yourself! The thing is, when you’re always focused looking at yourself you don’t see who? Others, right! When we are walking around all day, whether our phone is in front of our face or not, if we are constantly thinking about ourselves, what we want, we might be being selfish! Jesus wasn’t selfish. He freely gave himself for us so we would be forgiven and given an amazing life! And, Jesus doesn’t want us to be selfish either, but to be selfless!
Do you have your birth certificate with you? Well, ask you caregiver if you can have a copy. Take a look. It tells you who you are! (In case you forgot!) The birth certificate is a document that verifies your place in the world as a human being created in God’s image. What you do each day is up to you (and your parents, too, for a while!). You are amazing. In the image of God, to do amazing things. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:28). You have a special place in God’s plan. That’s why we pray, worship, hang out with people who love, respect, and inspire us to do great things for others. Let’s look forward to enjoy God’s presence as we follow Jesus, read God’s word, pray, and listen to the Spirit each day. Thank you for making our day special by being here! Your birth certificate is just the beginning, because you are on a mission from God!
