Hi Friends,

Summertime is almost over, kids and teachers are going back to school, and Youth Group kicks off this coming Sunday, August 24th. I know a lot is going on at home, in the church, and everywhere else these days, but one of the matters on my heart this week is the children. In particular, the children and youth in Sunday school here at Glen Mar as it is set to begin on Sunday, September 7th.

Matthew 19:13-15: “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”

The Matthew 19 passage above came to mind this week as I thought about our kids. We can get so busy and inundated with our lives, our work, or other things that take up so much time that we can miss out on paying attention to all the things and people that God has placed in our lives that matter. We can dismiss them or overlook them because we think we have more important matters to focus on.

These disciples did just that in this passage; they rebuked the families and children! But Jesus steps in and redirects his followers, and all of us who would read his words and see his actions. He has a word for us today, for our families, and our children. Instead of dismissing the children, he turns and says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them! Then he spent time with them, placing his hands on them, implying a blessing or prayer of sorts. He did not rebuke or even just walk past them. No, he stopped and gave them his time and taught everyone a lesson.

So, why the passage? Why the reminder? Well, for one, we have allowed our lives to be so busy that sometimes, unless someone reminds us, we will miss out on spending time with the children God has placed in our lives. This is a reminder for us to be like Jesus, to stop and pay attention to those children God has given you or placed in your care. They need you to provide them with food, water, and shelter, but they need your presence, attention, care, and concern.

Secondly, I also want you to know the tremendous privilege it is to teach children or youth in Sunday School. That, yes, they may not be your children, but they are the children of Glen Mar Church, and in the United Methodist vows of baptism, the congregation agrees to “surround [the baptized] with a community of love and forgiveness, that they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others.” We have a responsibility, but greater than that, an opportunity to be a community that truly surrounds the children and youth in our congregation. For some of us, this commitment will include a calling to teach or even be a helper during Sunday School.

My question for you is this, “Could you be called to teach our children or our youth through Sunday School?” I simply ask you to pray about this question, and if you are interested or even unsure, speak with Julie Metakes, Glen Mar’s Minister for Children and Families. She has organized a “Grow Disciples Dinner” on Thursday, August 28th, for everyone who might be interested in teaching or learning about children’s ministry at Glen Mar Church this year. You can email her directly at  or sign up in the Gathering Place this Sunday.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” We need folks like you to help them know who Jesus is, how sweet it is to trust in him, and how he is always ready to stop and bless them. I hope you will pray about this and consider helping with Sunday School this year.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Chris