Reformation Day (Observed)

Strengthening the Foundation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

This is the final installment in our newsletter series regarding Good Shepherd as Family.

Last week, I shared with you what one church was placing in its pews for the families of young children. Today, I want to highlight the last portion of what they had written as it read,

We encourage you to pray with [your children], explain the service to them, and sit where they can see what’s going on. It’s pretty boring to look at the backs of heads for an hour! Again we want to say thank you for being with us. We’re glad you’re here!

It seems counterintuitive to us to have the children sit near the front of the sanctuary, doesn’t it? But if you scour the internet, you’ll read article after article saying just this: Children learn best, pay attention the best, and engage the best when they can see what is occurring in the liturgy. What’s the pastor doing? What’s the acolyte doing? Why are the candles being snuffed out?

Just as there is a purpose to every movement a pastor makes, every aspect of the Divine Service teaches God’s children the story of Jesus, and it’s one not only to be heard but also to be observed.

While the children might appear to be disengaged, coloring, or just staring off into space, don’t underestimate them. I’ve found these to be the times they’re doing a different kind of homework. They’re studying you. They are observing what you are doing.

This should give all of us pause and invite us to examine what we are doing throughout the liturgy, too.

Are we opening the hymnal? Are we opening our lips? Are we singing? Are we standing still or paying as close attention as we ought? 

Sure, some Sundays may be more challenging for all of us than others, but that is true with all aspects of life.

This leads to another question for us to ponder: Do we all have a role and responsibility to help one another in the Divine Service?

Absolutely!

This is why a parent may sometimes need to walk a child out of the Divine Service for a brief moment of time. However, as the parent, and in keeping God’s Word, they also need to ensure the child is brought back into the service as soon as possible to learn the liturgy and be instructed in the way that leads to eternal life.

But for those of you who don’t have children wrestling for your attention on any given Sunday, don’t forget, these are your brothers and sisters in Christ; you still have roles Strengthening the Foundation and responsibilities to help and support them in the Divine Service, the first is to be present, come, hear the Word of God and receive the true flesh and blood of Jesus. It’s not good to refrain from receiving the Lord’s Supper.

The second thing is to be a model for the congregation’s children to imitate. As I mentioned, they’re watching you, and if we are not engaged in the service as we are called to be, why will the children see the importance of following along, praying, and singing?

While none of us can replace a parent, we are all their role models in the faith!

Lastly, pray for our families. At a time when so many families choose sports or other activities over bringing their children to church on a Sunday morning, we’re glad they are here, struggling and leading their children to Jesus.

My friends, we live in a time when the world has become increasingly self-centered. Still, the beautiful thing about Good Shepherd is that when you come for the Divine Service week in and week out, you gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus; you gather with your family.

Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Rogness

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)