Devotion by CrossRoads Lutheran
(Jesus) said to them, Let the
little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that
the
One Sunday when the service was getting long, I announced
that we would sing only the first stanza of the sending hymn. As were singing,
I saw a look of consternation cross the faces of some of our younger
worshipers. The bulletin instructed the children to join the pastor at the
altar during the LAST STANZA of the hymn to say together the dismissal, Go in
peace; serve the Lord. One of our members had suggested that this might be a
good way to include the children in the worship, and it worked. The hymn over,
I then invited the children to come and they eagerly did. Together we said, Go
in peace; serve the Lord.
At Crossroads Lutheran Ministry, half of our weekly attendance
of 25-30 is children, most under seven. Even our little ones are eager to
participate as much as they can, knowing responsive or singing parts of the
liturgy.
These children were an important reason why in January, 2006,
six or eight families began investigating how to become a congregation.
Authorized as a worshiping community under the 20/20 Vision of the synod, they
began worship services in a school in March, 2006. In September, we moved into
a renovated store front in the downtown DeWitt. Furnishings (altar, paraments, baptismal font, chancel chairs, and two pews)
were furnished by the former
Interim
Crossroads Lutheran Ministry, DeWitt
Prayer
Petition:
Tender
God,
As
you welcomed the children to sit at your feet, so use the members of Crossroads
Lutheran Ministry to welcome all in DeWitt who do not know they are your
beloved little ones. Strengthen this
little group that their vision might grow as the reach out to welcome and shape
faithful disciples of Jesus. Guide them
as they discern your will concerning leadership and build loving relationships
for effective outreach. God of mercy,
Hear our Prayer.