Submitted by Pastor Bill Hargis, Rock Port and Watson United Methodist Churches

I’ve spent most of the day staring at a computer screen, trying to decide what I was wanting to say. In my mind, I see myself standing in front of a congregation, hands in my pockets, staring around the room, then slowly shrugging my shoulders and saying, “I got nothin’!” For a preacher, this is the equivalent of the naked in public nightmare.

It is still the New Year, so let’s reminisce about everything that happened in 2023? Maybe we should look forward to all the great things waiting for us in 2024. Have you made any New Year resolutions you want to share? The electricity went out at the parsonage Wednesday night until Thursday . . . BORRRRINGGG!

I have shared with you that one of my greatest joys is kids in church. I love the spontaneity and excitement the kids bring with them. I love the eagerness and the “want” to be a part of the worship service. Case Larson informed me that he was five years old, and that was old enough to help with the candle lighting. You want to see enthusiasm? Give the kids the offering plates and let them collect.

A friend told me about a special weekly offering they collect. Emmy and her brother, Weston, lost their mother to cancer about two years ago. Weston was having a difficult time but he liked helping his dad collect the offering. Emmy, maybe three years old, would tag along. My friend gave her a little offering plate, just so she felt she was helping, “Emmy’s Offering” was born and has collected nearly $2,000 in the past 1 1/2 years to benefit an organization called “Lost and Found.” This group helps kids like Weston and Emmy deal with the loss of a loved one. Maybe not kid organized, but kid inspired. 

Our kids ask questions that may seem funny, but maybe we adults should pay a little closer attention. At our Christmas Eve service this year, Oscar Palmer asked his mom and dad if they were in a different church. When they asked him why he thought that, he said, “Because I see a lot of people here that I don’t know. I thought we were visitors.” While this may sound a little humorous, it is in reality very sad. 

Our kids are watching, and listening. I watched a group of kids playing in the back of the church during service a few years ago. Afterwards, they asked a few questions about what I had said. Right now, I’m looking at a drawing of a Wampus Kitty. A girl drew her interpretation of a Wampus cat for me, while I preached about the dangers of Wampas cats in May of this year. 

I’ve said several times, we adults could learn a few things about praising God, if we watched and imitated our kids. This is why I don’t like children’s church or any other activity that takes our kids out of the sanctuary during worship, because we adults need them to guide us! There are a lot of adults who apparently believe it’s a sin to laugh, or smile, or show any emotion other than remorse and sadness. Don’t believe me? Come and stand where I do and have a look around. 

“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15). Come to God with joy. Approach Him with happy shouts and songs, and praise. Look to God with hope and trust, just like our kids look to us. “Come to God because you love Him and Jesus.” (This is another kid quote from Addie Larson.) Bring your kids to church and see what you can learn! I love you all, and there’s nothing you can do about it.