ROMANS 8:26-34

MATTHEW 13:31-33,44-49a

Kids’ Sermon

7/28/02 – 10:30a.m.

(Holding an acorn so as to hide the seedling growing out of it.) Can anyone tell me what this is? (An acorn.) Does it look big or impressive now? What would happen if it were planted in the ground and not disturbed? (It would grow up into an oak tree, probably taller than the church, despite its small start.)

Jesus tells a story like this in today’s Gospel, a story about the Kingdom of God, the coming triumph of God when all evil and evil-doers will be conquered by God and love, joy and healing will be everywhere, thanks to God. Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is coming, even though the signs of its coming may look small now.

But growth is starting! (uncovers oak seedling.) Even as this acorn is starting to grow a big oak tree, every act of goodness, generosity and kindness that we do is like a tiny oak tree, growing from the seed that God gave to each of us, to do God’s will in our daily lives.

Every time we are kind, helpful, truthful, generous and friendly because we want to be that plants seeds, that can grow BIG and STRONG with God’s help! Little things do matter – and little things can grow. Have you ever heard of Johnny Appleseed? Christians are like Johnny Appleseed, except instead of planting apple trees we’re planting good deeds, which can grow into a great forest of powerful goodness! So let’s do it – and grown-ups get to, too!

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church