Ephesians 5:15-20

JOHN 6:53-59

Sermon with Children for Everyone

August 20, 2006

[I gather in front of the altar with the children, all standing.] In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us how important it is for us to come together in worship and share communion, and that he is with us in a very special way whenever we do. There are six things Jesus wants us to do when we celebrate communion, and what they are and what they mean are hidden around the church. Let’s go on a “treasure hunt” and find these treasures!

[The children and I walk around and uncover sheets with one key word each on them, which those children who are readers take turns reading, and I broadcast their answers and my elaborations to the congregation via the microphone.]

“Welcome” [found on the door into the building and on the door into the sanctuary]. Jesus wants us to welcome everyone who comes to church.

“Belong” [found on the baptismal font]. We belong to Jesus’ family by being baptized.

“Remember” [found on the Gospel book and on the lectionary book]. We remember what God wants us to do by hearing and reading the Bible again and again.

“Forgive” [two sheets, each with this word, found on kneelers in the pews.] In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. Forgiveness means giving the other person a fresh start and not getting back at the person for what he or she did.

“Share” [found on the chalice and paten, on the tabernacle, and on the offering plates.] We share this special, sacred meal (in which Jesus is present even though we can’t see him) with baptized people present in church with this cup and this plate. We share this special, sacred meal with those who are sick and can’t be in the building for worship by using the extra bread and wine we keep here in the tabernacle. We share our own money in the offering to support our church community as we worship God and share our love for others.

“Give thanks” [found on the bread and wine at the back of the sanctuary.] This whole worship service is called “The Holy Eucharist,” which means “thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is not just for one day a year, it is a way of life for Christians all through the year.

“Welcome, belong, remember, forgive, share, give thanks.” [We say these words in unison.] These are things all of us can do, kids and grownups alike, here in church and all through the week.