Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- You all know about bread. It's an important food made from grain. In today's Gospel Jesus says he is the bread of life. We know that old bread gets moldy and is not good any more. But Jesus is using bread as a metaphor to show us that he is bread that brings us eternal life. In Jesus God becomes part of us forever.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Many years ago, the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt, and Moses led them to freedom. As the traveled through the wilderness, they were hungry and wanted to go back. So God sent them bread from heaven. Each Sunday we get bread from heaven--the body of Christ. God still feeds us in an amazing way with forgiveness and love through the bread of communion.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel tells us how Jesus fed thousands and walked on water. Jesus did both of these amazing things to show how much God loves us. There are signs of Jesus' love all around us here in church and in the love of our parents and others. So this week I am giving you homework. Ask your parents and others to help you identify signs of God's love in your lives.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today we are going to talk about the Sabbath. In today's Gospel, the disciples has been away working hard, and when they came back, Jesus took them to a quiet place to rest. Sometimes we forget that part of our relationship with God is resting. The Sabbath rest is one of the great gifts God gives every one of us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus goes back to his home town, but they didn't believe, and he couldn't do any great works. Usually Jesus could do miracles because the Holy Spirit was with him. Many people have trouble understanding the Holy Spirit because we cannot see the Spirit. But it's like when I blow on this and it moves. You cannot see the wind, but you know that the wind moves it. Sometimes we can feel the Spirit moving us towards love, joy, and peace. When you leave today, be open to the Spirit moving in you.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- How do we know we are in church now? We have this street sign on the corner that tells us where we are, but that's not the most important way we know we are in church. In today's Gospel, Jesus helps a man whose daughter is sick. She dies while he is going to help her, but Jesus loved her so much, he brought her back to life. Jesus loves all of you just as much, and that love tells us we are in church more than any street sign.

A children's conversation by Peggy Anderson -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel we heard about the birth of John the Baptist. A few days later, the family had a party to welcome him. Now, here in Hawaii we welcome someone with a lei. In just a few weeks, we will welcome Pastor Angela as our associate pastor, and I have prepared kits so each of you can make a lei for Pastor Angela. We also give lei to people when they leave, so I have one for Ryan, who will be leaving us soon.

A children's conversation by Peggy Anderson -------------------------------------------------------- Today I want to give each child a letter, and together they spell out someone who is Forgiving, Attentive, Teacher, Helpful, Energetic, and Ready. On this Fathers Day, we don't all have a father at home, but we all have a father in heaven who loves us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus goes back to his home town. He is out preaching, and his family sends for him, but he stays and says that everyone who loves God is his brother and sister. This means that everyone here in church today is your brother and sister, and all of God's children around the world are your family. We give thanks to God for this wonderful family.

A children's conversation by Pastor Phyllis Hormann -------------------------------------------------------- Your parents probably give you chores to do, and the same thing happens in today's story. The disciples are given a to do list--go back to Jerusalem and be witnesses. As witnesses, you say that Jesus loves us and that Jesus died for our sins. And you can share your witness with everyone.