Little Saints, Big Lessons: Children's Sermons from St. Peter's Episcopal Church

In this engaging children's sermon, Rev. Madeline explores the concept of 'fishing for people' with her young audience. She encourages children to think deeply about how to spread light and happiness in the world. Through discussions about the metaphors of darkness and light in biblical stories, she helps the children come up with practical ways to make others feel happy and cared for. The session ends with a song reflecting on the theme of sharing light with others.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:08 Discussing the Story

00:15 Exploring the Concept of Fishing for People

01:03 Darkness and Light in Biblical Stories

01:57 Sharing Light and Happiness

02:36 Ideas on How to Share Light

03:17 Conclusion and Song

Rev. Madeline Polhill engages with children, discussing the story of early disciples following Jesus. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking questions about the Bible story, speculating on what the disciples might have discussed with Jesus that convinced them to follow Him. The session ends with a song celebrating God's work within us.00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:07 Discussion on the First Disciples

00:43 Speculations on the Conversation with Jesus

01:38 Questions to Consider

02:54 Encouragement to Stay Curious

03:16 Closing and Song

In this children's sermon, Mother Paige discusses the significance of a special Sunday, the Baptism of our Lord, focusing on baptism and its importance. She explains how the large candle is used during Easter, Pentecost, and especially at baptisms, drawing connections to Jesus' own baptism. Through interactive dialogue with the children, she highlights the moment the Holy Spirit appeared like a dove and the heavenly voice declared Jesus as God's beloved son. Mother Paige emphasizes that this message of love and blessing extends to all baptized into the body of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder to let God's light shine in the world.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:14 Guessing the Special Sunday

00:35 Revealing the Special Sunday

01:15 Significance of the Candle

02:25 The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Baptism

03:32 Living Out God's Love

04:30 Closing and Song

In this children's sermon, Madeline Polhill engages with young participants about the significance of the gifts given by the three wise men to baby Jesus. Through an interactive and thoughtful discussion, she explores why these gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were offered and encourages the children to reflect on what gifts they can give to Jesus today, suggesting possibilities like kindness, prayers, and love. The conversation closes with a reminder to think about these gifts throughout the week and an invitation to sing and participate in communion.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:10 The Three Kings and Their Gifts

00:59 Why Gifts Were Given to Jesus

02:28 Modern Gifts for Jesus

03:53 Final Thoughts and Song

In this children's sermon, Mother Paige discusses the significance of the light of Jesus and its enduring presence in our lives. With the setting of the first Sunday after Christmas, she highlights the importance of carrying and sharing this light beyond the twelve days of Christmas. The sermon incorporates reflections on a poem by John and the symbolic use of numerous candles to illustrate the theme. She emphasizes that the light of Jesus shines in our hearts and cannot be extinguished, encouraging children to share this light and remember it even during difficult times. The sermon concludes with a song, 'Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,' involving both children and grownups.

00:00 Introduction and Greeting

00:05 Significance of the First Sunday After Christmas

00:49 The Symbolism of Light and Candles

01:16 The Light of Jesus in Our Hearts

01:43 Carrying the Light into the World

02:28 A Song for Everyone

03:47 Conclusion and Farewell

This episode features a Christmas Eve children's sermon by Madeline Polhill, focusing on the significance of the birth of Jesus. The children discuss why Jesus' birth is an important event, highlighting reasons such as Jesus being the Son of God, bringing peace to the world, and being God in human form. The sermon emphasizes the concept of 'Emmanuel,' meaning 'God with us,' and concludes with a prayer for everyone to feel God's presence and love during Christmas.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:09 The Significance of Christmas Eve

00:17 Why Jesus' Birth is Important

01:23 God Becoming Human

03:04 The Meaning of Emmanuel

03:52 Christmas Blessings and Conclusion

In this children's sermon, Madeline Polhill discusses the story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as read by Deacon Pete. The sermon focuses on Joseph's initial doubts and fears upon learning about Jesus' birth through Mary, and his eventual acceptance and trust with the guidance of an angel. Madeline emphasizes the importance of trusting God's plan, even when it's not what we expect or when we feel unsure. The sermon encourages children to have faith and reminds them that God's light will guide them, just as it did for Joseph.

00:00 Introduction and Greeting

00:02 Introducing Joseph

00:24 Children's Responses

01:02 Joseph's Role in Jesus' Birth

01:40 Joseph's Faith and Trust

02:07 Closing Song and Farewell

In this children's sermon, Mother Paige discusses the significance of Gaudete Sunday, also known as Rejoice Sunday, where the pink candle is lit. She highlights the difference between happiness and joy, using the musical 'Wicked' as a reference. Mother Paige emphasizes the importance of finding grace in our actions and waiting patiently for God's promises, similar to a farmer waiting for crops to grow.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:20 Candle of Joy and Baptism

00:36 Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice!00:50 Lessons from Wicked

01:50 Understanding Joy and Advent

02:37 The Challenge of Patience

03:08 The Farmer's Patience

04:02 Living Our Baptismal Promises

04:55 Conclusion and Song

In this engaging children's sermon, Miss Madeline at St. Peter's talks about John the Baptist, a prophet known for his unique ways of spreading his message. She explains the concept of repentance, comparing it to saying sorry and making changes to do better next time. The sermon encourages kids to let God's love guide their actions and includes a fun sing-along session led by Mr. Adam. Perfect for young families looking to instill important values and lessons from the Bible in their children.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:14 Introduction to John the Baptist

01:02 Understanding Repentance

01:31 Applying Repentance in Daily Life

02:16 Singing and Conclusion

In this children's sermon, Mother Paige at St. Peter's Parish in Del Mar, California, talks with the children of St. Peter's about the meaning of Advent. She explains the significance of the Advent candles and what each represents: hope, peace, joy, and love. The discussion covers essential themes like the anticipation of Jesus in history, the mystery of experiencing Jesus in the present, and the future majesty when all things will be made right. Mother Paige encourages the children to look for moments of God's presence in their daily lives and share their experiences next week. The session concludes with Mr. Adam leading the children in singing an Advent song.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:23 Understanding Advent

00:29 The Significance of the Advent Candles

01:28 Preparing for Christmas

01:55 Experiencing Jesus in History, Mystery, and Majesty

03:33 Homework and Reflection

03:56 Closing Song and Dismissal