Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel tells about Jesus' transfiguration. That's a big word meaning Jesus was changed in appearance. One example of change you know about is when someone lights a match and you get fire. Scientifically, fire is the rapid oxidation of something, but you know what fire is, even if you don't know how it works. We know Jesus was changed, but we don't know how. But change is no good if we don't use it. Candles and lights put fire to work. The fire within you is the Holy Spirit. God is working with you to bring Jesus to the world.

A children's conversation by the Stark Family The Stark Family presented a dramatic retelling of the story of Samson. The story tells us to use the gifts God has given us and not waste them.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley The lights just went off, and that makes it hard to see. But I have this lantern, so if we turn it on, we will be able to see. In today's Gospel, SImon Peter's mother was sick, and Jesus healed her. When you's sick, it seems dark. Jesus healed her and brought light, and then it says she served them. Jesus lifts us up and heals us, and then Jesus sends us out to serve. When you are in the dark, you can call on God.

A children's conversation by Peggy Anderson You know that "welcoming" means letting new people know you are glad they are here. At LCH we welcome people with lei. You can see extra paper lei around the church, so please take them and give them to people you don't know. God loves and welcome us, so we welcome strangers to our family.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today we are talking about Jonah. God sent him to tell the people of Nineveh to repent, but he got on a boat and went the other way. So God sent a storm, and the sailors threw Jonah into the sea. And then God sent a big fish to swallow him and spit him up on the land. So Jonah went to Nineveh and called the people to repent. And they did. Now to repent means to turn around. The people of Nineveh repented, and so did God. And God did not destroy Nineveh. Jonah was mad about that, but that is a different story for another day. But we should remember that when God calls us to repent, we should turn around and return to God.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today we are talking about the word "disciple." You know this means follower or helper or even sidekick. Jesus did many things, but he couldn't do them all by himself. I can't do everything here at church by myself. So Jesus called disciples. We know their names, and we know the names of many modern disciples. In fact, you are all called to be disciples so all of God's work can be done.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. This story is retold in our Nave every day. We have the font with water, light in the candle, a dove, and people gathered around. This reminds us of the voice of God that said, "You are my child, my beloved." That story is also your story because in baptism you received the promise that you are children of God.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Presents and family are important parts of Christmas, but John tells us the most important part--the Word became flesh and lived with us. Even if you turn around and look, you can't see God sitting in the pews, but we can feel God's love in our hearts.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today is the third Sunday of Advent, and we hear about John the Baptist. He told people to repent because God was sending the Messiah. The people asked who John was, and said he was a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way. He was pointing to Jesus. You too are also called to point to Jesus.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today is the second Sunday of Advent, and in today's Gospel, Mark tells us to prepare the way of the Lord. Like planting a garden, we need tools, but they are different tools: peace, love, strength to help people, money, and so on. But the most important tool is you and the members of this community. You are the tools to prepare the way of the Lord.