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- Apr 25, 2006
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13 February 2008
A week of Lent Reflections taken from "Hope in Word, Hope in Action" - storiesofhope.org.uk
Word on the Web
Hope is... a welcome for everyone
And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:3-4
My challenge in ministry
When I first arrived in the parish I began working enthusiastically with baptism families. I remember saying we had started a family service, so we would love to see parents attending. At the end a woman looked at me in amazement and said: "What you mean we can bring children to church?" I discovered quickly that there was a whole generation of parents who believed you don't bring children into church. I began to realise what a challenge my ministry amongst children and families would be.
A reflection for Lent
To welcome and be accessible are my ministry reference points. Matthew 18 speaks of Jesus' welcome to children. Since 2002 we have worked to provide welcoming worship for all ages. Lent reminds me of the Easter story's echoes of hope. Hope for the thief on the cross, welcomed to heaven by Jesus. Hope for the disciples, as they receive the good news of the resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. And hope for all the world as the temple curtain is torn in two, giving mankind access to the Holy of Holies. Easter reminds us that Jesus provides a welcome for, and is open to, all.
God of All, You call us into your presence; we are your children together. Teach us to welcome all in your name. Teach us to love each other and to listen to each other. In the name of Christ, Amen.
A week of Lent Reflections taken from "Hope in Word, Hope in Action" - storiesofhope.org.uk
Word on the Web
Hope is... a welcome for everyone
And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:3-4
My challenge in ministry
When I first arrived in the parish I began working enthusiastically with baptism families. I remember saying we had started a family service, so we would love to see parents attending. At the end a woman looked at me in amazement and said: "What you mean we can bring children to church?" I discovered quickly that there was a whole generation of parents who believed you don't bring children into church. I began to realise what a challenge my ministry amongst children and families would be.
A reflection for Lent
To welcome and be accessible are my ministry reference points. Matthew 18 speaks of Jesus' welcome to children. Since 2002 we have worked to provide welcoming worship for all ages. Lent reminds me of the Easter story's echoes of hope. Hope for the thief on the cross, welcomed to heaven by Jesus. Hope for the disciples, as they receive the good news of the resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. And hope for all the world as the temple curtain is torn in two, giving mankind access to the Holy of Holies. Easter reminds us that Jesus provides a welcome for, and is open to, all.
God of All, You call us into your presence; we are your children together. Teach us to welcome all in your name. Teach us to love each other and to listen to each other. In the name of Christ, Amen.
