Children's Conversations at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Because the weather always seems the same, it seems like it's Christmas, but we know it's Easter, so we have to find something we hid away at the beginning of Lent. Who can find the "Alleluia"? "Alleluia" reminds us that Jesus was raised because God loves us all. We can never doubt that fact.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Each of you probably has a favorite thing. In today's Gospel, someone brings a big container of perfume worth a year's salary and uses it to wash Jesus' feet. People said it was wasteful, but Jesus said it was OK because he would sacrifice everything for the woman and for us. You should remember that you are God's most precious possession, and you should share that understanding with others.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In place of the children's conversation and the sermon, Pastor Jeff Lilley presented a dramatic retelling of the Gospel lesson, the parable of the prodigal son, in which he voiced the roles the second (prodigal) son, the father, and the first son.

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Here in the back of the Nave we have seven plaques for the money raised over the years in our Children's Benefit Concert. We had another concert yesterday, and many of you gave gifts of your talents. All of you are God's gifts. We often think of Lent as a time to deprive ourselves of things we like, but it is also a time when we give thanks for the many gifts God has blessed us with.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Last week we talked about things we do during Lent, and I asked you to think about prayer. What prayers did you bring with you? During Lent we aren't using the organ, and we don't have flowers. We save that beauty for Easter. For this week's Lenten discipline, I want you to look for all the ways God's beauty is seen in the world. We'll talk about those next week.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Today we start a new season in church. You know it's Lent because there's no organ, and the color is purple. You also know it's Lent because we don't say a certain word--Alleluia. Right now we're going to hide this scroll with "Alleluia" written on it until Easter comes. And to get ready for Easter, I want you to spend some time this week in prayer.

Sunday School Skit -------------------------------------------------------- In place of the Children's Conversation and for part of the Sermon, the children from the Sunday School presented a skit based on today's Gospel from Luke 9:28-;43a. Jesus takes three disciples up the mountain to pray, and there he is transfigured and appears with Moses and Elijah. The voice of God says "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"

A children's conversation by Pastor Angela Freeman -------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes it is hard for you to say the right thing. In today's first lesson, Jeremiah was called to be prophet, but he was young and didn't think he could do it. You each have the power to use your voice for good and to tell people that God loves them.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- When you came up today, you found chairs and other barriers so you couldn't be together. It wasn't a nice feeling. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the people of his hometown to welcome everyone. In our lives, we are not always welcoming, so we have to removed barriers. Here at church, we want to be welcoming to all, so if you find something that makes you feel unwelcome, please tell us.

A children's conversation by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus is at a wedding and they run out of wine, so Jesus makes more by changing water into wine. Jesus did that to shine a light and reveal God's glory. God is still shining light today in all of you.