Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus compares planting seeds to God's word. We know all kinds of things can happen when we plant seeds. Sometimes they grow the way we expect, and sometimes other things happen. God plants the word in each of us, and it can grow in different ways, but in the end we have a the beautiful fragrance of God's love.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- We're all afraid of different things, but Jesus tells us over an over in the Bible not to be afraid. God is always with us, and even when we are afraid, God is holding us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, we hear how Jesus sends the disciples to make disciples of all nations. At the recent Synod Assembly we gave kukui nut lei like this to every one, and we called them talk-story lei to encourage everyone to get to know each other through talking story and to build relationships. When you talk story, you build relationships and create an opportunity to share the Good News. This is a way for you and for each of us to answer Jesus' call.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Today we hear about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like these bubbles I'm blowing. They float, we can't catch them, and they bring us joy. Sometimes the Holy Spirit guides us in ways we don't expect, but we shouldn't be afraid. This red Sunday leads us the long green season when we learn about the Holy Spirit at work in the church and in our lives.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Earlier today we baptized a beautiful girl here at the font. Some of you were also baptized here, and others of us in different places, but many things were the same for all of our baptisms. There was water, oil, and a candle. We always have water here to remember our baptisms and the promise that God is always with us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Here I have a couple of pictures. One shows three men walking, and as you say, they are Jesus and the two disciples from today's Gospel. And the other shows them as they recognize Jesus when he breaks the bread. We recognize that Jesus is with us each time we have Communion. And we know that Jesus is with us everywhere and all the time.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Here I have a box, and inside I have "Easter in a box." You don't believe me? Well, you're right; it's a box of bells. In today's Gospel we heard about Thomas who didn't believe Jesus had risen until he saw him. But Jesus told Thomas that it's OK to doubt. Even if we doubt or have questions, it's OK because God is with us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Today we celebrate Jesus' resurrection, and earlier today we baptized Emily. Baptism celebrates the fact that Jesus was raised, and Emily and all of us have been raised with Jesus. So let's continue our celebration by singing "Allelu, allelu, allelu, alleluia! Praise ye the Lord!"

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- This conch shell used to be the house of a creature in the sea, but now it's empty. Our lesson from Romans tells us that we are a dwelling place for God's spirit. You are never alone because God dwells with you always.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus heals a man who was blind. Jesus helps him see that he is a child of God's light and to see who Jesus is. God calls each of you to see Jesus and to know that you are also children of God's light.