Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley In today's Gospel, Jesus says that we should welcome everyone. Jesus wants us to welcome strangers and people who are different from us, just like he welcomed the children when the disciples tried to keep them away. You are not too young to be welcomed by God, and you are not too young to welcome others. Our calling as children of God is to welcome everyone.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley Today is Trinity Sunday, when we try to understand more about God. We often talk about God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but those are only three of many ways to talk about God. We also call God Mother or Creator or Redeemer or Helper or Friend. God is all these and much more. The Trinity helps us think about God in many ways, but the most important idea is that God will be with you all forever.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley In today's lesson we hear how the Holy Spirit came in a mighty wind on the first Pentecost. Wind doesn't seem like much, but look at this empty balloon. Right now it isn't worth much, but if I blow wind into it, it become much more interesting. If I just tie it up, it will gradually deflate and not be good for anything again. But when I let go. It flies around and gives the gift of joy. It's the same with the spirit. It brings joy when we let it go.

A children's conversation by Pastor Diane Martinson-Koyama Today is Ascension Sunday, and we remember when Jesus went up to heaven and left us as his messengers. There are many ways we can be messengers so that people know how much God loves them.

A children's conversation by Pastor Phyllis Hormann I know I was baptized even if I don't remember it. That's a special bath when you are washed all over in God's love. It would feel really good. And at the same time, God sends the Spirit to help us share that love with others in many different ways.

A children's conversation by Pastor Phyllis Hormann If I asked you where your home is, you might tell me it's where your Mommy is. Or you might even say it's in your Mommy's lap. Because of the relationship we have with God, we have another home with God. God wants to welcome us to that home in God's lap.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley If someone called to you while you were playing and said to behave, you would probably think she was talking to someone else. But if she called you by name, you would pay attention. In today's Gospel, Jesus says sheep respond to a shepherd who knows their names. God loves us so much that he calls us by name and calls everyone of us his beloved children.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley In today's Gospel story, two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, and they meet Jesus. He asked what they were talking about and gave them a Bible study explaining everything. They were excited, but they did't recognize Jesus until he broke the bread at dinner. Then they knew who he was. I have said many times that Jesus is always with us, but we may not recognize him until we break the bread at communion. Then we know that Jesus is present.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley You found lots of eggs during the Easter Egg hunt before worship, but I want you to find one more egg fro me around the altar. When I open this egg, it's empty. Usually when you find an empty present, you're not happy, but the empty tomb of Easter is a great gift. We have another gift today. Do you remember how we hid the "Alleluia" on the First Sunday of Lent? Let's go find it. This "Alleluia" reminds us that Christ is risen for each of you.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley In today's first lesson, Ezekiel sees the dry bones, and God tells him to prophesy. The bones come together, and then God tells him to prophesy to the wind, and the bones come to life. This shell is like a dry bone, but when someone blows breath, it comes to life with sound. May God always give us breath and bring us life.