The Cold Springer - Week of October 7, 2018

Sunday, September 30th, 2018 - Holy Baptism

Little Children

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

Following a rather awkward conversation with the Pharisees about marriage and divorce - where he confronts the prevalence of men using a divorce clause in the Jewish law to give up their wives for newer models - Jesus explains to his disciples that children can help us understand and encounter the Kingdom of God. (Thank you, Jesus!)

We’ve already heard from Jesus that welcoming a child is tantamount to welcoming God. This lesson reminds us to receive all disregarded and vulnerable persons in our midst. This week, though, Jesus wants his disciples to look upon the child as a role model. What is it about our kids that Jesus values so much?

One amazing thing about little ones is that they are not suspect of the world, they are intrigued and open. They do not expect people to be bad; children will believe in and respond to the best about people. Of course this trust must be tempered to keep them safe, but it is a lovely thing. Also, they do not revel (or grovel) in self-importance; while they may be the center of our lives, they do not think in terms of status, pride and prestige.

As a parent of a two-and-a-half year old, I can’t believe I’m going to write this, but I agree that children are inclined to be obedient, to listen. I think toddlers, when they ignore and are defiant, are learning how to listen and behave. Now, if I could only learn not to lose my mind or my temper! Everyone has room to grow.

I’m not a perfect parent: I often find myself asking “How I could have done better?” In truth, I haven’t always been fair with my toddler. But the lesson that she teaches me over and over again is the value in not holding grudges. She doesn’t nourish bitterness; she forgives so easily.

Such is the Kingdom, indeed.

Yours in Christ!
The Reverend Jesse Lebus

Sunday School - Combined

In a stroke of divine coincidence, our Sunday School students (all ages) will be decorating a Baptismal font for the Children’s Chapel. Why coincidence? First, there will be a baptism during the 10am service, and second, the font that is in the “big” church has a quote from this morning’s lesson carved around the top edge. It’s in the King James language, and I believe it goes like this: “Suffer the little children come unto me.”

I love this version because it helps paint the scene. I imagine Jesus saying it like this: “I want children around me, they remind me how to be good, so deal with it.”

The construction and decoration of a Baptismal font was the decision of our Elements of Faith class. They learned the parts of the church, from Narthex to Altar, and decided that the Children’s Chapel needed this important piece of church furniture! I am sure it will be very sweet.

Family Friday - Halloween Parade

Friday, October 26
6pm - 8pm

Join us at the St. John's Memorial Cemetery (one mile west of the church on 25A) for our annual stroll. Show off your costume, watch a skit from St. John's Grave Diggers and meet some really nice ghosts, and (of course) get some candy.

Though it may seem a bit sacrilegious, our Halloween traditions do have some Christian connection. Halloween is closely connected to two consecutive days on our Christian Calendar All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on the 2nd. We remember our beloved deceased - those who came before us - on those days.

For more information on the history of trick-or-treating, read this brief article from the Smithsonian Magazine's website.